Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus takes a historic turn as he walks the Green Line
PM Modi’s Walk to Cyprus Green Line: A Historic Diplomatic Gesture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus has taken a symbolic and strategic turn, as he walked the Cyprus Green Line, the UN-controlled buffer zone that separates the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-occupied north. This move is widely seen as a strong diplomatic signal, reinforcing India’s support for Cyprus’ sovereignty while subtly countering Turkey’s expansionist policies.
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The Green Line, patrolled by UN peacekeeping forces, has been a stark reminder of Cyprus’ division since 1974, when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island following a coup backed by the Greek military junta. Despite international condemnation, Turkey continues to control Northern Cyprus, recognizing it as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), a state acknowledged only by Ankara.
Modi’s visit comes at a time when Turkey has strengthened its diplomatic and military ties with Pakistan, openly supporting Islamabad on issues like Kashmir. By reinforcing India’s partnership with Cyprus, Modi is countering Turkey’s influence while expanding India’s geopolitical footprint in Europe.
A Message to Turkey: India’s Strategic Shift in the Mediterranean
Modi’s walk along the Green Line is widely interpreted as a subtle yet firm response to Turkey’s growing alignment with Pakistan. Turkey has repeatedly criticized India’s stance on Kashmir, using international forums to push its narrative. In contrast, Cyprus has consistently backed India, supporting its position on cross-border terrorism and UN Security Council reforms.
During his visit, Modi was photographed with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, with the Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus visible in the background. This moment was seen as a strong diplomatic signal, reinforcing India’s support for Cyprus against Turkish expansionism.
India’s stance on Cyprus aligns with its broader Mediterranean strategy, where it seeks to strengthen alliances with EU nations while countering adversarial influences. Cyprus, set to hold the rotating presidency of the EU Council in 2026, could play a pivotal role in shaping India-EU relations.
Economic and Strategic Implications of Modi’s Visit
Beyond geopolitics, Modi’s visit to Cyprus has significant economic implications. Cyprus is a key player in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity between India and Europe.
Cyprus’ strategic location in the Mediterranean makes it an ideal hub for maritime trade and energy cooperation. India is keen on diversifying its energy sources, and Cyprus’ involvement in natural gas exploration could open new avenues for collaboration.
Additionally, Cyprus has expressed interest in expanding defense cooperation with India, given its ongoing security challenges with Turkey. Strengthening military ties could further solidify India’s presence in the region, ensuring stability and countering external threats.
Final Thoughts: A Calculated Diplomatic Move
PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus is more than a bilateral engagement, it’s a strategic power play that reinforces India’s global influence. By supporting Cyprus’ sovereignty, India is challenging Turkey’s aggressive stance while strengthening its position in European diplomacy.
As India continues to expand its geopolitical footprint, this visit marks a pivotal moment in its Mediterranean strategy. The question remains, will Turkey respond, or has India successfully reshaped the regional balance?
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