Modi’s Exciting Visits to Cyprus and Croatia: A Bold Step Towards Strengthening India’s Presence in Europe

Prime Minister Modi’s Upcoming Visits to Cyprus and Croatia: A Strategic Shift for India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a groundbreaking diplomatic journey to Cyprus and Croatia. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over 20 years and the very first to Croatia. These trips are part of Modi’s itinerary leading to and from the G7 Summit in Canada, and they reflect India’s evolving foreign policy in light of changing global dynamics.

The visit to Cyprus on June 15-16, 2025, has the potential to strengthen ties in the eastern Mediterranean. While there, Modi will engage in discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol. This reveals India’s growing commitment to connecting with Mediterranean nations and enhancing relations with the European Union.

India and Cyprus have a shared history, dating back to Cyprus’ independence from British rule in 1962. India has supported Cyprus in international forums and maintains a consistent stance on the Cyprus issue, advocating for a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation. Cyprus offers strategic support to India on various issues, including advocating for India’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

In contrast, Modi’s visit to Croatia on June 18 comes at a time when India is re-establishing its connections with European nations. Diplomatic relations between India and Croatia began in the early ’90s, and this visit marks a significant milestone. The discussions with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic are expected to deepen bilateral cooperation, especially with regard to trade and investment.

Historically, Croatia has been a notable partner for India, especially during the Yugoslav era when it played a vital role in trade connections. Presently, bilateral trade between India and Croatia was around $225 million from April to November 2024.

According to Abhinav Pandya, CEO of the Usanas Foundation, this visit is critical for India amid rising tensions with Turkey. He noted that forming alliances with nations like Cyprus and Greece is vital for countering Turkey’s assertive policies. Cyprus is also strategically significant due to its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Both visits indicate a broader strategy of expanding India’s diplomatic reach, particularly with smaller EU nations. This approach not only facilitates direct engagements but also aims to balance regional power dynamics and build stronger partnerships across Europe.

As Modi prepares for these pivotal discussions, there’s an underlying intention to establish new avenues for collaboration in areas like technology and energy, especially as Europe seeks to enhance its ties with Asia amid geopolitical shifts.

In summary, these visits by Prime Minister Modi are more than mere diplomatic gestures. They signify India’s commitment to forging robust relationships within the European Union and reflect a thoughtful recalibration of its foreign policy strategies—both in the Mediterranean and the Balkans. As India continues to evolve on the global stage, these emerging partnerships will likely play a vital role in shaping its future economic and political landscape.

For more details, read about PM Modi’s participation in the G7 Summit in Canada and his visits to Cyprus and Croatia.

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