PM Modi’s Upcoming Visits to Cyprus and Croatia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (File photo)
NEW DELHI: As India expands its presence in Europe, PM Narendra Modi will visit Cyprus. He will then travel to Canada for the G7 summit. On his way back, he will stop in Croatia.
Key Points of the Visit
- Both Cyprus and Croatia are EU members.
- Cyprus will hold the EU Council presidency in the first half of next year.
- Modi’s visit to Croatia was postponed due to military tensions with Pakistan.
G7 Summit Details
The G7 summit will take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17. Modi will join the outreach session on the last day. Canada’s last-minute invitation means Modi’s schedule is still being finalized. Efforts are underway to arrange bilateral meetings.
Significance of the Cyprus Visit
This will be only the third visit by an Indian PM to Cyprus. The last visits were by A.B. Vajpayee in 2002 and Indira Gandhi in 1983. The visit is notable given the current tensions between India and Turkiye. Turkiye has shown support for Pakistan during recent conflicts.
India’s Stance on Cyprus
India supports resolving the Cyprus issue through UNSC resolutions and international law. Turkiye’s recognition of Northern Cyprus and disputes over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean are ongoing issues.
Strengthening Ties with Cyprus and Greece
As Turkiye aligns with Pakistan, India aims to strengthen ties with Cyprus and Greece. The focus is on defense and security cooperation. Modi visited Greece in 2023, the first Indian PM to do so in 40 years.
Support from Cyprus
Cyprus has backed India on several key issues. These include India’s election to the UNSC, the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, NSG membership, and the 1998 nuclear tests.
First Indian PM Visit to Croatia
Modi’s visit to Croatia will be the first by any Indian PM. In 2021, S. Jaishankar became the first Indian foreign minister to visit Croatia. The two countries signed a defense cooperation MoU in 2023.
