India Supports 'Peaceful Resolution' of Cyprus Issue: PM Modi's visit to Cyprus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus reaffirmed India's support in the peaceful solution of the Cyprus issue. He reiterated the unconditional support of India to the territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus which was a roundabout way of referring to the implication of Turkey in the Cyprus conflict. It was also under the leadership of Modi that India renewed its stand on international conflicts emphasizing on dialogue and diplomacy especially in the context of Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine confrontation. His tour is a sign of a stronger India-Cyprus relations, before Cyprus takes over becoming the President of the European Union in 2026.

Context

• The visit of the prime minister of Modi's visit to Cyprus is an indication of how India has always supported the unity and sovereignty of Cyprus. 

• It is also a politically tactful overture to Turkey that has been supportive of Northern Cyprus since its separation in 1974.

Key Points

The Indian aid in Unification of Cyprus:

• PM Modi said that India stands firm with the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country of Cyprus.

• An everlasting solution on the Cyprus problem was marked in the same statement, as well as resolution to the conflict by peaceful means, which can be achieved through negotiations supported by the UN.

Message to Turkey

• The attitude that India has adopted towards Cyprus is a sort of message delivery to Turkey, which supports Northern Cyprus.

• The common declaration mentioned the necessity to refrain from unilateral measures, an indication that dialogue is more preferable to war.

The Cyprus Question

• The country has been divided into the Turkish-supported North Cyprus and the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus since the year 1974.

• According to the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the resolution targets a bizonal and bicommunal federation comprising political equality.

Enhancing the India-Cyprus Relations:

• The visit also involved further strengthening of political alliances in preparation towards the Cyprus Presidency of the European Union in 2026.

• Cyprus has been in favour of permanent UN Security Council positions in India.

Honour to PM Modi:

• Cyprus has ranked the highest grant to Prime Minister Modi because of “the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.”

• Modi attributed the honor made to the cordial relations and common values of India and Cyprus.

The Diplomatic Strategy of India:

• India traditionally voted in favor of the independence of Cyprus, promoting its sovereignty since the 1950s.

• India cooperates with Cyprus in the European Union, where the latter is a strategic partner particularly in dealing with issues to do with strategic interests such as security and world politics.

Cyprus in UN:

• Cyprus has been in Agreement regarding the stand of India in the Kashmir problem and it has been a strong critic of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan.

• The convergence of the two countries in world-changing affairs can be said to be a sign of adherence to regional stability and international law.

Geopolitical Strategic Implications:

• The visit by PM Modi, which follows the Operation Sindoor against Pak, emphasizes the Indian interest of strengthening the diplomatic connection in the region and positioning itself in European and world geopolitics.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Cyprus is a landmark initiative towards the strengthening of bilateral relations, especially in the matters of territory integrity of Cyprus and the peaceful settlements to international conflicts which are promoted by the Indian side. In the process of India Cyprus relations with each other, the direction is to ensure that there is progress in terms of mutual interest in the areas of diplomacy, security, and international relations. The way in which India has maintained its assistance to Cyprus, particularly in the UN and in EU, still brings to the fore the determination of the nation to support the sanctity of sovereignty and peace in the international platform.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q.1 Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus in 2025?

1. Modi reaffirmed India's support for the territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus.

2. The visit was a direct message to Turkey, urging it to refrain from unilateral measures in Cyprus.

3. Modi’s visit was aimed at improving trade relations between India and Cyprus.

4. Cyprus expressed support for India’s stand on the Kashmir issue.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.1 Discuss the diplomatic significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus in 2025. How does this visit reflect India's broader approach towards international conflicts, especially in the context of Cyprus, Turkey, and the ongoing global geopolitical shifts?