Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Cyprus and Croatia en route to and from the G-7 Summit in Canada (June 15–17, 2025). These visits are being seen as an assertion of India’s traditional foreign policy principles with renewed engagement in Europe.
Visit to Cyprus: Political and Strategic Significance
- Message to Turkiye:
- Cyprus visit signals displeasure towards Turkiye’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor (May 2025).
- Reinforces India’s solidarity with Cyprus amid its territorial dispute with Turkiye over Northern Cyprus.
- Diplomatic Alignment:
- Cyprus to hold the EU Council Presidency in H1 2026.
- Cyprus has supported India on:
- Kashmir issue
- Cross-border terrorism concerns
- UN Security Council reform
- Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) roles
- Indian Reciprocity:
- India supports Cyprus’ reunification based on UNSC resolutions, international law, and EU regulations.
- Key Meeting:
- PM Modi is expected to meet President Nikos Christodoulides.
Visit to Croatia: Cultural and Economic Linkages
- Cultural Diplomacy:
- Croatia has a strong Indology tradition, especially at the University of Zagreb.
- Presence of ISKCON and widespread cultural interest in Indian philosophy and Sanskrit.
- Defence and Tech Cooperation:
- MoU on defence cooperation signed during Raisina Dialogue 2023.
- Visit strengthens India’s ties with smaller yet strategic European partners.
- Non-Alignment Legacy:
- Tribute to Josip Broz Tito, Croatian founder of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- Reflects India’s continued engagement with NAM-origin countries in evolving multipolar world.
Geo-Economic Context: Role in IMEC
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC):
- Announced at G20 Summit, New Delhi (2023).
- Cyprus and Croatia seen as potential investors and participants in corridor projects.
- Strategic Geography:
- Cyprus: Gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean and EU platforms.
- Croatia: Maritime infrastructure on the Adriatic Sea, key for logistics and trade under IMEC.
