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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Modi visits Greek Cyprus strengthening bilateral ties
Listen to article Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's has made a landmark visit to Greek Cyprus with the aim of strengthening strategic ties between New Delhi and Nicosia. According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides was the first by an Indian premier to Greek Cyprus in over two decades. The two sides welcomed recent progress in 'economic, technological, and people-to-people ties, reflective of the dynamic and evolving nature of the relationship," said the statement by New Delhi. It added that the two sides discussed the "need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including ways to make it more effective, efficient, and representative of contemporary geopolitical challenges.' The Greek Cypriot side also pledged to support reaching an EU-India free trade agreement by the end of this year. The warming of ties between New Delhi and Nicosia comes after Turkiye's pro-Pakistan stance during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Turkiye has vocally supported Pakistan on Kashmir and has even called for international mediation over the dispute. Cyprus & Kashmir The Cyprus dispute (Greek Cypriot vs Turkish Cypriots) and Kashmir issue (India-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir vs. Azad Jammu and kashmir) share striking parallels—not just in division, but in the external interventions that triggered military escalations. Turkiye militarily intervened in Cyprus after a Greek junta-backed coup was carried out seeking to annex Cyprus to Greece. Similary Pakistan tribesmen had marched into Kashmir after India's controversial accession of the Muslim-majority region, that has fuelled decades of unrest.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Business
- First Post
PM Modi in Cyprus: Why this Turkey rival matters to India
As Narendra Modi made the first Indian prime ministerial visit to Cyprus in over two decades, strategic and economic ties between India and the island nation came into sharp focus. From trade, fintech and defence to shared positions on global issues, the visit reaffirmed Cyprus as a crucial partner for India in Europe and the Mediterranean read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day stop in Cyprus from June 15–16, marked the first Indian prime ministerial visit to the Mediterranean island in more than two decades. The visit was part of a broader three-nation tour, also covering Canada for the G7 Summit and Croatia. Modi's arrival in Cyprus coincided with As the airspace in Israel, Iran and briefly Lebanon were shut, it necessitated a modified flight path for his official aircraft — traversing the Arabian Sea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Egypt — before landing on the island. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The timing and destination were far from symbolic. Cyprus has emerged as a key component in India's regional strategy, especially as New Delhi seeks to recalibrate its relationships in the Mediterranean and Europe. The visit also occurred shortly after Operation Sindoor and is widely interpreted as a pointed diplomatic signal to Turkey, which has aligned itself with Pakistan, particularly in multilateral fora and during recent regional skirmishes. Turkey-supplied drones used in attacks on India have only increased New Delhi's concerns, and resulted in deeper engagement with Cyprus — and by extension Greece — is being viewed as a strategic counterbalance. How India has been batting for Cyprus for decades Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus boasts a population of only 1.3 million. The island nation, which gained independence from British rule in 1960, soon saw tensions erupt between its two main communities — Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Power-sharing arrangements collapsed just three years later, prompting the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force in 1964. A decade later, in 1974, a coup backed by the Greek military junta aimed to unify Cyprus with Greece. In response, Turkey launched a military invasion, citing the protection of Turkish Cypriots. Although the legitimate government in Nicosia was subsequently restored, Turkish forces remained in the northeastern part of the island. That region later declared itself the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' — a political entity recognised solely by Ankara. This ongoing division remains unresolved, with Turkey continuing to station troops in the north despite United Nations resolutions calling for a reunified island under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has consistently supported a resolution to the Cyprus issue based on international law, UN resolutions and EU principles. It continues to advocate for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation as the legitimate political solution for the divided island. Then-Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos (R) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) as Indian President Abdul Kalam (2nd R) and Papadopoulos' wife Fotini (2nd L) look on during a welcome ceremony in New Delhi, April 12, 2006. File Image/Reuters New Delhi's contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has also been noteworthy, with three Indian officers — Lieutenant General PS Gyani, Major General Diwan Prem Chand and General KS Thimayya — having served as Force Commanders. Thimayya, who passed away during his service in Cyprus, is commemorated locally with a street named in his honour and a postage stamp issued in 1966. As of mid-2025, one Indian Army officer continues to serve in the UN peacekeeping force. Then-Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind sit down for their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, September 3, 2018. File Image/Reuters Cyprus, in turn, has stood firm in its support of India's international aspirations. The island republic has publicly endorsed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council, as well as supported the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement within global regulatory institutions such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How India and Cyprus are expanding economic collaboration The bilateral engagement between the two nations received a major boost during the business roundtable hosted in Limassol, where both Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides were present to witness the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding between Indian and Cypriot businesses. Welcome to Cyprus Prime Minister @narendramodi! Here, at the EU's southeastern frontier and gateway of the Mediteranean A historic visit A new chapter in a strategic partnership that knows no limits We make a promise to advance, transform, prosper more. Together 🇨🇾🇮🇳🇪🇺 — NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) June 15, 2025 Agreements were formalised between the National Stock Exchange International Exchange (based in GIFT City, Gujarat) and the Cyprus Stock Exchange. A further milestone was achieved when NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank Cyprus agreed to enable India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Cyprus, facilitating seamless cross-border payments for tourists and businesses alike. In his remarks at the forum, Modi highlighted Cyprus's emerging role as an economic partner for India, particularly in Foreign Direct Investment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He welcomed the growing interest among Cypriot companies in engaging with India's expanding economy and pointed out the strong potential in financial services. Eurobank Ergasias CEO Fokion C Karavias told ANI, 'We are very excited with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in Cyprus. This is an excellent opportunity to promote further business between the two countries… Cyprus offers a number of opportunities for Indian companies… we have also signed an MoU with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to bring UPI payments to Cyprus and also to Greece. So overall we believe there is plenty of opportunity for business.' The launch of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council aimed to catalyse trilateral collaboration in shipping, logistics, aviation, renewable energy and digital services. Cyprus is also seen as a European base for many Indian enterprises in IT services, financial consultancy, and tourism. According to trade figures, bilateral commerce between India and Cyprus amounted to $136.96 million in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. India primarily exports pharmaceuticals, ceramic goods, iron and steel, textiles, chemicals, and machinery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cyprus, in turn, exports pharmaceuticals, beverages, and manufactured products. Trade levels were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic but are now steadily recovering. Cyprus remains one of the largest sources of FDI into India due to a favourable investment climate supported by a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), signed in 2016. The revised DTAA incorporates OECD standards on capital gains taxation and safeguards against base erosion and profit shifting. Cyprus is one of the few countries outside the FATF framework to receive India's Category-I Foreign Portfolio Investor status. Why Cyprus is crucial to India's EU outreach Cyprus's geographic location in the Eastern Mediterranean lends it a vital role in India's broader infrastructure and trade ambitions. As New Delhi champions the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), Cyprus is seen as a natural logistical node along the route connecting Indian ports to European markets via the Middle East. The Eastern Mediterranean is also home to significant offshore energy resources, and Cyprus plays a prominent role in regional gas exploration efforts. This strategic interest aligns with India's aim to diversify its energy imports. Modi's visit explored ways to deepen energy cooperation, especially in light of mounting regional frictions over maritime resource claims, primarily involving Turkey. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cyprus's forthcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026 is another compelling reason for India to fortify relations. A strong partnership with Nicosia can support India's ambitions in securing broader economic agreements with the EU, including the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which both sides hope to conclude by the end of 2025. Invest Cyprus Chairman Evgenios Evgeniou described the visit as transformational, telling ANI, 'Today is a great day for us in Cyprus, a great honor to have welcomed Prime Minister Modi and we truly look forward that his visit will add a lot of momentum to the economic, business and investment relations between India and Cyprus…PM Modi's visit will add momentum to this strong bilateral relationship for the benefit of India, Cyprus and the European Union…' What next for India-Cyprus relations? Defence collaboration has steadily advanced since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in December 2022. Building on this, both countries concluded a Bilateral Defence Cooperation Programme (BDCP) for 2025 in Nicosia. The Indian Defence Attaché to Cyprus is currently based at the Indian Embassy in Cairo and oversees coordination. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), there are over 11,000 Indian nationals residing in Cyprus, most of whom work in sectors such as shipping, information technology, financial technology, agriculture, household services and higher education. In recognition of this growing people-to-people connection, Startup India and Invest Cyprus are also exploring a structured partnership to create a bilateral startup bridge. Modi's outreach to Cyprus also serves as a message to Europe that India seeks a concrete partnership — one that can offer New Delhi greater diplomatic leverage going forward, particularly as it positions itself as a leading voice of the Global South on the world stage.
Arab Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
UN envoy for Cyprus pushes for trust-building measures ahead of talks
NICOSIA, Cyprus, May 25, (AP): A newly appointed U.N. envoy for Cyprus said Saturday she'll work hard to ensure concrete progress in measures to build trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in hopes of reviving moribund talks to heal the island nation's half-century ethnic division. Maria Angela Holguin said her weeklong stay in Cyprus aims to generate tangible results ahead of a July meeting in Geneva that will bring together UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, along with top diplomats from Greece, Turkey and the UK Negotiations have been stalled since 2017. Trust-building measures include talks on opening new crossing points along a 180-kilometer (120-mile) UN control buffer zone that divides a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from a Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally-recognized government is seated. Other measures that Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar agreed to implement in front of Guterres during a March meeting in Geneva included work on a photovoltaic park inside the buffer zone, demining and restoration work on cemeteries on either side of the divide. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. Holguin said Guterres "continues to push' for a resumption of Cyprus peace talks. But that prospect faces a difficult hurdle in the form of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a peace deal based on two equal states, instead of a federation composed of Greek and Turkish speaking zones that formed the basis of decades of UN-mediated negotiations. While Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say the federation idea is now bankrupt, Greek Cypriots say they won't assent to any accord that formally partitions the island, allows for a permanent Turkish troop presence, gives Turkey rights to militarily intervene and offers the minority Turkish Cypriots a veto right on all government decisions.
Al-Ahram Weekly
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UN envoy for Cyprus pushes for trust-building measures ahead of talks - International
A newly appointed U.N. envoy for Cyprus said Saturday she'll work hard to ensure concrete progress in measures to build trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in hopes of reviving moribund talks to heal the island nation's half-century ethnic division. Maria Angela Holguin said her weeklong stay in Cyprus aims to generate tangible results ahead of a July meeting in Geneva that will bring together U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, along with top diplomats from Greece, Turkey, and the U.K. Negotiations have been stalled since 2017. Trust-building measures include talks on opening new crossing points along a 180-kilometre (120-mile) U.N. control buffer zone that divides a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from a Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally recognised government is seated. Other measures that Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar agreed to implement in front of Guterres during a March meeting in Geneva included work on a photovoltaic park inside the buffer zone, demining and restoration work on cemeteries on either side of the divide. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognises a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. Holguin said Guterres 'continues to push' for a resumption of Cyprus peace talks. But that prospect faces a difficult hurdle in the form of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a peace deal based on two equal states, instead of a federation composed of Greek and Turkish-speaking zones that formed the basis of decades of U.N.-mediated negotiations. While Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say the federation idea is now bankrupt, Greek Cypriots say they won't assent to any accord that formally partitions the island, allows for a permanent Turkish troop presence, gives Turkey rights to militarily intervene, and offers the minority Turkish Cypriots a veto right on all government decisions. Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said, despite any hurdles, the fact of Holguin's appointment indicates that the U.N. considers the resumption of peace talks 'completely feasible.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
UN envoy for Cyprus pushes for trust-building measures ahead of talks
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — A newly appointed U.N. envoy for Cyprus said Saturday she'll work hard to ensure concrete progress in measures to build trust between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in hopes of reviving moribund talks to heal the island nation's half-century ethnic division. Maria Angela Holguin said her weeklong stay in Cyprus aims to generate tangible results ahead of a July meeting in Geneva that will bring together U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, along with top diplomats from Greece, Turkey and the U.K. Negotiations have been stalled since 2017. Trust-building measures include talks on opening new crossing points along a 180-kilometer (120-mile) U.N. control buffer zone that divides a breakaway Turkish Cypriot north from a Greek Cypriot south, where the internationally-recognized government is seated. Other measures that Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar agreed to implement in front of Guterres during a March meeting in Geneva included work on a photovoltaic park inside the buffer zone, demining and restoration work on cemeteries on either side of the divide. Cyprus was split in 1974, when Turkey invaded following a coup by Athens junta-backed supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island's northern third. Holguin said Guterres 'continues to push' for a resumption of Cyprus peace talks. But that prospect faces a difficult hurdle in the form of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot insistence on a peace deal based on two equal states, instead of a federation composed of Greek and Turkish speaking zones that formed the basis of decades of U.N.-mediated negotiations. While Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots say the federation idea is now bankrupt, Greek Cypriots say they won't assent to any accord that formally partitions the island, allows for a permanent Turkish troop presence, gives Turkey rights to militarily intervene and offers the minority Turkish Cypriots a veto right on all government decisions. Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said despite any hurdles, the fact of Holguin's appointment indicates that the U.N. consider the resumption of peace talks 'completely feasible.'
