Nicosia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June took a guided tour along the ceasefire line in the historic city of Nicosia along with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. “Tour with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi along the ceasefire line, in old Nicosia. Where the signs of the Turkish occupation remain visible,” the Government of the Republic of Cyprus posted on X along with photographs of the two leaders visiting the area.

PM Modi’s nearly 24-hour visit to Cyprus remains significant as it came in the middle of India’s tensions with Turkey over the latter’s continuous support to Pakistan. Ankara’s recognition of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the northern region that was seized by Turkish forces in 1974 and differences over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean remain a constant source of tensions between Turkey and Cyprus.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the two leaders took a walk through the historic heart of Nicosia — a city standing firm and resilient in its onward march, reflective of the indomitable spirit of the proud people of Cyprus.

“Gratitude to President Christodoulides for showing me parts of the very historic city of Nicosia. We look forward to closer people-to-people linkages with Cyprus!” PM Modi posted after his departure. The June 15-16 visit was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades and massively strengthened New Delhi’s relationship with Nicosia — a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union.