June 16, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Monday as part of his strategic visit to advance the India-Europe Economic Corridor (IEEC), positioning the Mediterranean nation as a potential key transit hub in the ambitious trade initiative.
This visit marks Modi’s first official trip to Cyprus and comes amid renewed global focus on enhancing trade connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The IEEC, first proposed during the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, aims to develop an integrated transport and digital infrastructure linking India with Europe via the Middle East.
In Nicosia, Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing maritime connectivity, and exploring Cyprus’s inclusion in the IEEC framework.
“Cyprus’s strategic location makes it a natural partner in our vision for an efficient and secure India-Europe Economic Corridor,” said PM Modi during a joint press briefing. “Our discussions today reaffirm our shared commitment to a future built on mutual growth, trade, and innovation.”
Both leaders signed several agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in digital infrastructure, shipping, energy, and technology. A Memorandum of Understanding on digital partnership was also finalized, with plans to establish a “Cyprus-India Innovation Bridge” to support startups and tech exchanges.
Cyprus has shown strong interest in leveraging its advanced port infrastructure to become a logistics hub under the IEEC. Talks also included the development of special economic zones and improved undersea data cable links to facilitate digital trade.
The Indian delegation emphasized the growing demand for diversified and resilient supply chains, especially in the wake of recent geopolitical disruptions and shipping route instability in the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
President Christodoulides expressed Cyprus’s support for the trade corridor and welcomed India’s initiative to include Mediterranean nations in future connectivity projects. “We see India as a key strategic partner in reimagining sustainable and inclusive global trade,” he stated.
PM Modi also met with representatives of the Indian diaspora in Cyprus, praising their role in strengthening cultural and economic ties. India and Cyprus have long-standing diplomatic relations, with shared interests in global governance, multilateral cooperation, and trade.
The visit is being viewed as a pivotal moment in India’s foreign policy, signaling a shift toward deeper engagement with smaller EU nations in efforts to expand regional influence and facilitate east-west trade integration.
With this visit, India continues its push to operationalize the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), positioning it as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and a key pillar of India’s Act East and Connect West policy.
