Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ Narendra Modi was accorded a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora in Cyprus on Sunday, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ to the Mediterranean island nation in over two decades. Members of the 12,000-strong Indian community gathered outside his hotel in Limassol to greet him with bouquets and cheers.
Modi’s visit to Cyprus is the first stop of his three-nation tour, undertaken at the invitation of Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. Upon arrival at Larnaca International Airport, the Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ was given a ceremonial welcome, setting the tone for high-level engagements between the two countries.
Later in the day, Modi joined President Christodoulides at a business roundtable in Nicosia, where he highlighted the need to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors such as trade, investment, defence, fintech, innovation, artificial intelligence, IT, logistics, and mobility.
“ਭਾਰਤ and Cyprus share a long-standing friendship. We are committed to expanding our economic partnership and tapping new opportunities for growth,” the Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ said during his address to business leaders from both nations.
Delegation-level talks between ਭਾਰਤ and Cyprus are scheduled for Monday, with an agenda focused on strengthening ties in trade, renewable energy, shipping, defence cooperation, and ਲੋਕ-to-ਲੋਕ exchange.
Cyprus remains a significant economic partner for ਭਾਰਤ, ranking among the top 10 foreign investors. Indian exports to Cyprus include pharmaceuticals, textiles, ceramics, iron and steel, while Cyprus exports pharmaceuticals, beverages, and manufactured goods to ਭਾਰਤ.
The Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ is also expected to address a major gathering of the Indian community in Limassol before departing for the next leg of his international visit.
