Modi’s stop in Cyprus sends subtle shot at Turkey

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Cyprus later this month in a stop that’s more than just diplomatic; it’s also a pointed message to Turkey, according to Indian media.

Modi’s visit to the island will happen en route to Canada, where he’ll attend the G7 summit from June 15 to 17. On his return, he’s also expected to visit Croatia. In Nicosia, Modi is scheduled to meet with President Nikos Christodoulides, reviving top-level talks that hold both political and economic weight.

While the official focus is on strengthening ties, Indian officials have hinted that Modi’s stop in Cyprus is a strategic signal to Ankara. According to The Hindu, India sees the visit as a direct response to Turkey’s support for Pakistan during May’s military operation "Sindoor."

The trip comes at a time when Cyprus continues to show strong support for India, especially on sensitive issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. Cyprus was one of the first countries to condemn the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India, and has promised to raise the issue within EU discussions. Nicosia has also backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and other international platforms.

In return, India has long supported a UN-backed resolution to the Cyprus problem, consistently aligning with international law and EU principles.

This will be the first visit to Cyprus by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades, with the last being Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. Modi’s trip is expected to boost cooperation ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency in 2026.

Cyprus and Croatia are also seen as potential partners in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a major infrastructure initiative launched during last year’s G20 summit. Both countries are being courted as future investors or participants in the ambitious trade route connecting India to Europe via the Middle East.