PM Modi’s Cyprus Visit Seen as Signal of India’s Growing Ties with Regional Rivals

PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus signals India’s growing ties with regional rivals of Turkey, particularly in light of Turkey’s support for Pakistan. Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney suggests this trip will enhance Cyprus’s role in energy diplomacy. During the visit, notable agreements were reached, including MoUs involving payments services and cross-border flows, as Modi emphasizes India-Cyprus partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Cyprus is likely to be interpreted by Turkey as indicative of India’s deepening connections with its regional competitors, according to prominent geostrategist Brahma Chellaney. This perspective arises from Turkey’s support for Pakistan amid the longstanding India-Pakistan tensions and the current strained relations between Ankara and Nicosia.

Chellaney noted, “Turkey is likely to view Modi’s visit to gas-rich Cyprus as a signal of India deepening ties with Ankara’s regional rivals, including Greece, Armenia, and Egypt.” He highlighted that while Turkey nurtures a military alliance with Pakistan, Cyprus has historically been supportive of India, even backing its aspiration for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

He continued, saying, “Set to assume the EU Council presidency next year, Cyprus is a pivotal link in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).” Chellaney added that enhancing engagement with Cyprus could boost its role in energy diplomacy, while also increasing New Delhi’s influence in the Mediterranean, especially against the backdrop of addressing Turkish expansionism.

During the visit, Modi characterized Cyprus as a “reliable partner” for India, highlighting strengthened bilateral cooperation. His participation in a business roundtable with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides was part of the first segment of his three-nation tour and served to underscore the importance of India-Cyprus relations.

Moreover, Modi reflected on the long-standing partnership, noting the significance of his visit as it marked the first in 23 years by an Indian prime minister. He pointed out that this signifies a renewed focus on economic cooperation between the two nations, which should appeal to various stakeholders.

Cyprus was also praised as a popular tourist destination by Modi, amidst India’s ongoing efforts to enhance destination development and management. Notably, there has been a decline in the number of Indian tourists to Turkey following Ankara’s support for Islamabad. As a result, calls for boycotting Turkey as a travel destination, alongside Turkish goods and services, have gained traction. In response, the Indian government even revoked the security clearance for Turkish service provider Celebi due to national security concerns.

On another front, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during Modi’s visit, including one between the National Payments Corporation of India and Eurobank of Cyprus, aimed at facilitating Unified Payments Interface services in Cyprus. Another MoU between NSE International Exchange Gift City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange was also concluded, setting the stage for future cross-border investment flows.

Modi’s visit to Cyprus reflects a strategic move aimed at solidifying India’s relationships in the Mediterranean region. The implications of this trip are significant not only in terms of economic ties but also in countering Turkish influence in the area. As Cyprus gears up for its EU Council presidency, India’s proactive stance may further support Cyprus as a key player in regional energy diplomacy and economic corridors, while also navigating sensitive geopolitical challenges.

Original Source: www.businesstoday.in