PM Modi Begins Three-Nation Tour with Cyprus Visit, Focus on Counter-Terror Diplomacy and Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday, marking the start of a significant five-day, three-nation tour that will also include visits to Canada and Croatia. This is Modi’s first overseas trip since India launched Operation Sindoor, a strategic counter-terror operation targeting infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The visit is aimed at deepening partnerships in trade, investment, technology, security, and promoting counter-terror diplomacy.

PM Modi was received at the Larnaca International Airport by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, reflecting the warm and longstanding ties between the two nations. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades and is seen as a renewed push to elevate bilateral cooperation.

During his two-day stay in Cyprus (June 15–16), PM Modi will hold comprehensive talks with President Christodoulides, focusing on strengthening ties in sectors like digital technology, maritime security, climate cooperation, and people-to-people engagement. In a statement prior to his arrival, the Prime Minister noted, “Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean and the EU. This visit provides an opportunity to build upon historical bonds and expand our relationship.”

Cyprus, a member of the European Union, is seen by New Delhi as a strategic entry point into the Mediterranean region and a reliable voice within European institutions.

The next leg of Modi’s tour takes him to Kananaskis, Canada, where he will participate in the G7 Summit from June 16 to 17, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Prime Minister is expected to articulate India’s stance on pressing global issues such as energy security, technological cooperation, innovation, and climate change.

This visit carries significant diplomatic weight, as it is PM Modi’s first visit to Canada since ties between the two nations were strained over the Khalistani issue. India-Canada relations reached a diplomatic low in 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. New Delhi had categorically denied the accusation, calling it “absurd” and “politically motivated.” The current visit is seen as an attempt to reset and re-engage amid new leadership in Ottawa.

PM Modi underscored that the G7 platform would also allow India to galvanise global cooperation on counter-terrorism, especially in the wake of Operation Sindoor. “This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” he said in a departure statement.

The final leg of the tour will see PM Modi arrive in Croatia on June 18, with meetings scheduled with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, a country with which India shares historic cultural and economic links.

“Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. This visit will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” PM Modi said. He is expected to discuss cooperation in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, digital health, and tourism.

The Prime Minister will return to India on June 19, concluding a high-stakes diplomatic outreach aimed at securing stronger global alliances in a post-Operation Sindoor world.

IT.