Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visits to Cyprus and Croatia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Cyprus and Croatia, marking significant diplomatic engagements prior to and following his attendance at the G-7 summit in Canada. These visits underscore India's traditional foreign policy priorities and aim to bolster both political and commercial ties with these nations.
Visit to Cyprus
- Significance: This visit is of political and commercial importance, as it serves as a diplomatic gesture towards Türkiye and supports India's stance on cross-border terrorism and the Kashmir issue.
- EU Presidency: Cyprus is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, making this visit timely for renewing top-level contacts.
- Support for India: Cyprus has consistently supported India on international platforms, backing its campaigns for various global groups and seats, including the U.N. Security Council.
- Historical Visits: Previous visits by Indian leaders include Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi in 1982 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002, and visits by other senior officials.
- Meeting with Leadership: Modi is expected to meet Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.
Visit to Croatia
- Cultural Ties: The visit highlights the strong Indological tradition in Croatia, supported by institutions like the University of Zagreb and the presence of ISKCON.
- Defense and Technology: Croatia is increasingly engaged with India through defense and technological partnerships, exemplified by a memorandum of understanding signed during the Raisina Dialogue in 2023.
- Diplomatic Importance: The visit reinforces India's commitment to non-aligned partners, considering historical ties with figures like Josip Broz Tito.
- Economic Corridor: Both Croatia and Cyprus are viewed as potential participants in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiated during the G-20 summit in 2023.
- Maritime Facilities: Croatia's maritime capabilities offer strategic advantages for IMEC, enhancing its appeal for India.
