New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Cyprus en route to the G7 Summit in Canada. This has marked an important diplomatic gesture amid deteriorating ties with Turkey which openly backed Pakistan during India’s Operation Sindoor.
This visit also aims to strengthen India’s ties with European Union members.
Operational conflicts with Turkey
Cyprus is a nation that has a history of long standing conflict with Turkey. It has shown strong support for India, following the April 22 terror attacks in Pahalgam. Cypriot officials condemned the attack and pledged to raise the concerns of cross border terrorism in the present day at the EU level.
Cyprus is also set to assume the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2026. This visit holds strategic importance for India.
The backdrop of this visit includes Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan during India’s military operation that aimed to target and destroy the terror camps that operated in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Enhanced diplomatic relations between India and Cyprus
Reports indicate that Turkey supplied military assistance to Pakistan during the conflict, including drones and weapons. The backdrop to this visit includes Turkey’s overt support for Pakistan during India’s military operation, which targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This, however has proved fatal for India and has further contributed to strained relations with India. it has also encouraged efforts towards a diplomatic reassessment.
Modi’s stepover in Cyprus aims to reinforce India’s diplomatic ties in Europe. It will also help in sending out a clear message to Turkey, regarding its support for Pakistan.
It will further enhance India’s strategic partnerships with the EU. It will also prove beneficial, particularly since Cyprus prepares for its upcoming EU presidency.
