PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus: A Strategic Boost for EU–India Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Cyprus on June 15–16, 2025, marks a significant milestone in enhancing India’s ties with European Union nations. Positioned as a vital stepping stone in the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), this diplomatic outreach not only strengthens India–Cyprus relations but also reinforces India’s engagement with the European Union at a crucial moment. With Cyprus set to assume the rotating EU Presidency in early 2026, PM Modi’s visit underscores the shared vision of bridging continents through trade, innovation, and strategic cooperation, solidifying EU–India collaboration in an evolving global landscape.

Welcomed warmly by President Nikos Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport, Mr. Modi was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora, their chants of “Vande Mataram” symbolizing deep cultural bonds. This poignant reception highlighted how people-to-people ties are integral to the broader diplomatic narrative and enriched the event’s atmosphere of mutual respect.

Against the backdrop of the proposed IMEC, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to streamlined connectivity. “Our discussions aim to link India with Europe through the wider Middle East, entering via the Republic of Cyprus,” President Christodoulides noted, framing the visit as the beginning of a new era of intercontinental collaboration. The corridor project is gaining momentum as a forward-looking alternative to existing trade routes and presents a compelling geo-economic opportunity for India and its European partners.

Central to the visit was a high-level business roundtable in Limassol, featuring key stakeholders from banking, logistics, technology, manufacturing, defence, tourism, and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence. In this forum, PM Modi expressed India’s ambition to become the world’s third-largest economy, stating, “We are focused on building a trustworthy environment for business alongside ease of doing business,” signaling New Delhi’s intent to attract greater European investment.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar echoed the optimism of the visit, anticipating that the engagement will “deepen our longstanding bilateral ties and strengthen the India–EU partnership,” reinforcing the diplomatic significance of the mission. This diplomatic message aligns closely with India’s broader objective of eclectic global engagement, as PM Modi’s broader tour extended beyond Cyprus to include Canada and Croatia, reflecting a synchronized strategy to elevate India’s profile on the international stage.

The visit also encompassed discussions on counter-terrorism cooperation and global security, with India expressing gratitude for international support in its fight against cross-border terrorism—a topic PM Modi called “a significant opportunity to galvanise global cooperation”. Such dialogues underscore a shared commitment among India, Cyprus, and EU members to maintain stability in an increasingly complex international environment.

A noteworthy outcome of the discussions was the decision to explore trilateral collaboration involving Greece. India, Cyprus, and Greece will partner to enhance business promotion and regional economic development, further integrating Mediterranean countries into India’s strategic outreach to Europe. This trilateral framework not only paves the way for expanded trade linkages but also dovetails with India’s vision for a more cohesive Euro-Indian economic zone.

By engaging directly with an EU member poised to assume the EU Presidency, India has signaled its intent to deepen engagement at the continental level. The visit affords shared alignment on priorities such as clean energy, technology transfer, regulatory cooperation, and digital governance—areas central to both IMEC and the wider EU–India strategic agenda.

PM Modi’s Cyprus trip therefore does more than strengthen diplomatic ties; it lays the groundwork for a multilateral, multi-sectoral partnership model that leverages Cyprus’s geographic location, EU influence, and India's rapidly growing economy. As the proposed IMEC project gains international momentum, and India continues to align with European standards and regulatory frameworks, this visit emerges as a key development in consolidating a partnership that is both regionally inclusive and globally strategic.

In formal remarks during the business dialogue, PM Modi emphasised India’s readiness to deliver “trust of doing business,” while President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s commitment to serving as a gateway for India into the European market. These shared assurances signal a turning point—the elevation of India–EU relations to a new level of depth and institutional maturity, rooted in tangible projects and sustained cooperation.

Additionally, in the path of improving Cyprus–India relations and engagements, organisations like the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry (EICBI) have played a key role. EICBI has contributed diligently by hosting ambassadors of Cyprus in India, fostering high-level engagement and building institutional bridges between the two nations. Such ongoing efforts have created platforms for sustained dialogue beyond official corridors. And on light of this new engagements, Sujit S. Nair, Chairman of EICBI expressed – “EICBI is steadfast in its commitment to promoting deeper engagements through outreach and institutional dialogue, particularly as Cyprus emerges as a strategic bridge between India and the European Union. Our initiatives in India and EU have laid the foundation for a more people-centric and business-driven India–Cyprus partnership, aligned with the evolving contours of EU–India relations.”

Ultimately, PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus transcends ceremony—it charts a pragmatic path forward in India–EU relations. Grounded in trade, connectivity, security, and shared values, this mission strengthens India’s presence in Europe and deepens transcontinental bonds. As both sides prepare to act on corridor connectivity, joint investment, and regulatory cooperation, this visit will be remembered as a defining moment in the evolution of India’s engagement with Europe.