Limassol (Cyprus): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides joined a business roundtable with top CEOs, underlining a stronger strategic partnership between the nations across innovation, technology, and energy, while reflecting on India’s decade-long economic ascent.

Taking to his official X handle in June, PM Modi wrote: “Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs to add vigour to commercial ties between India and Cyprus. Innovation, energy, and technology hold immense promise. I also highlighted India’s reform journey over the last decade.”

President Christodoulides echoed the sentiment in a post on X: “Today, we build more bridges, deepen economic cooperation with India. We step into a new era of strategic partnership, built on shared values, driven by innovation and a rich historical journey. Together, we send a message of hope and prosperity.”

In another post, he stated: “Roundtable discussion with Indian PM and members of Cyprus and Indian business communities.”

Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, also posted on X: “Further cementing investment, technology & business linkages. PM @narendramodi, joined by President @Christodulides, addressed a business roundtable attended by leading business figures from both countries. Emphasis on trade, fintech, AI, IT, mobility, logistics, and defence.”

President Christodoulides extended a warm welcome to PM Modi: “Welcome to Cyprus, Prime Minister @narendramodi! At the EU’s southeastern frontier and Mediterranean gateway. A historic visit. A new chapter in a limitless partnership. Together Cyprus-India-EU shall prosper.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, upon arriving in Larnaca, met with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and noted the deepening bilateral ties. “Confident that PM Modi’s visit will further strengthen our relations and the India-EU partnership,” he said on X.

PM Modi’s arrival marked the first Indian prime ministerial visit to Cyprus in over 20 years, welcomed with ceremonial honours at Larnaca International Airport. Both nations reaffirmed cooperation in trade, education, culture, and technology.

PM Modi also engaged with the Indian diaspora, met by chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” A placard read “Jai Hind, Operation Sindoor, Justice is Served,” in reference to India’s anti-terror efforts.

As part of his broader diplomatic tour before the G7 Summit in Canada, the Cyprus leg reflected India’s goal to nurture old friendships and expand its Mediterranean presence. Cyprus, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to a “partnership that knows no limits.” PM Modi shared a video capturing the moment on his X account.

The visit aligns with Cyprus’s preparations to assume the EU Council Presidency in 2026, a strategic point reinforcing India’s Mediterranean and EU outreach. During his remarks, PM Modi thanked the hosts and underlined the shared democratic ethos and historical bond between the countries.

In his two-day itinerary, PM Modi held bilateral talks, attended the Limassol business roundtable, and received the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian award. Cyprus’s Eurobank opening a representative office in Mumbai is seen as a bridge between South Asia and Europe.

The visit also carried geopolitical significance. Cyprus has backed India on global issues, including counterterrorism, in contrast to Turkey’s recent criticism. Local media celebrated the visit as historic for Indo-Cypriot diplomacy, highlighting its symbolic weight.

With a 100-member Indian delegation, PM Modi’s visit aimed to forge deeper business, technological, and strategic ties with Cyprus.