Amid deepening Ankara-Islamabad nexus, India and Cyprus have galvanised their ties, with Nicosia declaring strong support against cross-border terror and New Delhi expressing unwavering support for territorial integrity, and unity of the Mediterranean nation.
The talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides in the capital Nicosia on June 16 were marked by a meeting of minds and genuine personal warmth. In an exceptional gesture, President Christodoulides warmly received PM Modi at the Larnaca airport before the two leaders addressed a high-level business roundtable in the city of Limassol.
Counter-terror cooperation
During the talks, Cyprus came out in full support of India’s battle against cross-border terrorism, a veiled but obvious reference to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism that was seen in the killing of Indian tourists in Kashmir by suspected Pakistani militants on April 22. India appreciated Cyprus’ solidarity and unwavering support to India in the aftermath of the gruesome killings of tourists in the scenic valley of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. “Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the steadfast support of Cyprus to India in its fight against the cross-border terrorism,” said Mr Tanmay Lal, Secretary (West) in MEA after talks between the two leaders.
“Cyprus and India unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including international and cross-border terrorism, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering hybrid threats that undermine peace and stability,” said a joint statement after the talks. The two leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and emphasized that those responsible for the attacks should be held accountable.
India, on its part, conveyed “its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.” In this regard, both sides emphasized the need to avoid unilateral actions as essential for creating a conducive environment for the resumption of meaningful negotiations, said the joint statement in a critique of Ankara’s intermittent moves to undermine Cyprus’ sovereignty.
Cyprus has strongly condemned terror attacks in Pahalgam and conveyed its intent to raise the issue of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan at the EU level. Cyprus has also consistently backed India’s position on Kashmir.
The Cyprus Question
“Cyprus and India expressed their strong commitment to the resumption of UN-facilitated efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Question on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in accordance with the agreed UN framework and the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.”
Taking a long view, the two sides decided to deepen their defence and security cooperation, including through collaboration between their respective defence industries, with a special focus on cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Going forward, the two countries decided to deepen maritime security cooperation with Cyprus agreeing to more regular port calls by Indian naval vessels and explore opportunities for joint maritime training and exercises to enhance maritime domain awareness and regional security.
With an eye on China’s activities in South China Sea, the two countries backed a rules-based international order, underpinned by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), with regard to freedom of navigation and sovereign maritime rights.
In a mark of India’s growing global stature, Cyprus supported India’s bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council and recognized the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers group. In a warm gesture, President Christodoulides conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest honour bestowed by Cyprus on foreign Heads of Government.
Countering Turkey
PM Modi’s trip to Cyprus is part of India’s larger strategic design to draw closer to countries, which share unease about Turkey’s rising influence in the region. The visit to Cyprus is a pointed message to Turkey which supplied drones to Pakistan and proactively helped Pakistan’s military machine to counter Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliatory strikes against nine terrorist camps in Pakistan, in May.
Turkey has consistently supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and voiced support during heightened military tension between India and Pakistan. Cyprus has a history of tensions with Turkey. Turkey played a key role in instigating the northeastern part of the island to declare independence as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state recognised only by Ankara.
Deepening India-EU ties
The two leaders also discussed ways to deepen India-EU ties as Cyprus takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of next year. “The leaders exchanged views on this strategic partnership, including the ongoing India-EU FTA negotiations,” said Mr Lal.
Author Profile
- Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.
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