Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus signals India’s growing ties with regional rivals of Turkey, particularly amid Turkey’s support for Pakistan. Expert Brahma Chellaney emphasizes the geopolitical implications of this visit. Agreements were signed to enhance economic cooperation, including in tourism and finance, while Modi hailed Cyprus as a dependable partner for India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Cyprus is seen as a message to Ankara about India’s growing ties with its regional opponents, particularly Nicosia, according to prominent geostrategist Brahma Chellaney. This interpretation arises from Turkey’s longstanding support for Pakistan amid conflicts with India, coupled with the historically uneasy relationship between Ankara and Nicosia.
Chellaney asserts, “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 suggests that while Turkey has a strategic alliance with Pakistan, Cyprus has consistently stood by India, including endorsing its aspiration for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
Looking ahead, Cyprus is poised to take over the EU Council presidency next year. This makes its partnership with India crucial in terms of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), according to Chellaney. His comments imply that India’s increased engagement with Cyprus could boost the latter’s significance in energy diplomacy while further establishing New Delhi’s presence in the Mediterranean, countering Turkish expansionism.
During his visit, Modi hailed Cyprus as a “reliable partner” for India, underscoring the advancing bilateral cooperation. He engaged in a business roundtable with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in 23 years, which signifies the growing influence of economic factors in India-Cyprus relations.
Modi also highlighted Cyprus as a renowned tourist hub, mentioning India’s commitment to enhancing tourism there. This focus comes at a time when Indian tourists have been dissuaded from visiting Turkey, following Ankara’s support for Islamabad in the India-Pakistan conflict. There were social media calls within India for a boycott of Turkish tourism and products, as well as a government decision to revoke clearance for a Turkish service provider citing security concerns.
In addition to discussions on tourism, significant agreements were inked during his visit, including one between the National Payments Corporation of India and Eurobank of Cyprus aiming to introduce Unified Payments Interface services in Cyprus. Another MoU was signed between NSE International Exchange Gift City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange to facilitate cross-border financial flows.
Modi’s visit thus seems to signal a strategic pivot in India’s approach towards nations traditionally viewed as rivals to Turkey, and it highlights the strengthening ties between India and Cyprus on multiple fronts.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus marks a significant moment in India-Cyprus relations, with implications for India’s strategy in the Mediterranean. The trip underscores India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas like energy and economic partnerships. Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape surrounding this visit suggests an increasingly complex relationship between India and Turkey, particularly in the wake of Turkey’s historical support for Pakistan. The visit not only opens up new avenues for economic collaboration but also positions Cyprus as a key player in regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.businesstoday.in
