Syllabus:

GS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: Recently, the Indian Prime Minister paid the first visit to Cyprus in over 20 years. 

More on the News

• This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in more than 20 years. Many see it as a strategic message to Turkey, which has been growing closer to Pakistan.
• The President of Cyprus conferred upon the Prime Minister of India Cyprus’s honor – the "Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III”.
• The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development. They emphasized support for a rules-based international order, highlighting UNCLOS for maritime rights and freedom of navigation.
• Both Leaders discussed the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including ways to make it more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geopolitical challenges.
• Cyprus and India reaffirmed their strong support for UN-led efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue through a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, in line with UN resolutions.
• Cyprus and India strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and extremism, reaffirming their commitment to countering cross-border and hybrid threats to peace and stability.
• The two leaders addressed the Cyprus–India Business Round Table on Advancing a Strategic Economic Partnership.
• The two leaders recognized people-to-people ties as a strategic asset and multiplier for deepening economic and cultural ties. The two sides will work to finalize a Mobility Pilot Program Arrangement by the end of 2025.
• The Joint Declaration reaffirms the Cyprus–India strategic partnership, with both leaders welcoming bilateral progress and expressing confidence in its continued role in promoting regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Importance of Cyprus for India

• Putting aside the Turkey factor, Cyprus holds importance for India in several other ways. It has consistently been a “reliable partner” and a “trustworthy friend” to India.
• Cyprus supports India’s candidature as a permanent member of the expanded UN Security Council.
• Cyprus fully supported the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement within the NSG and IAEA, aiding India’s energy needs and economic growth.
• Cyprus will hold the EU Council Presidency in early 2026 and could be a key ally as India deepens trade and security ties with Europe.
• The geographic location of Cyprus makes it a crucial part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), an infrastructure project that India expects multiple benefits. 

Turkey-Cyprus rivalry

• Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, located close to Turkey and Syria. It is a member of the European Union (EU) despite being geographically in Asia.
• Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, but tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots led to violence by 1963, prompting the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force.
• In 1974, a coup by Greek Cypriots backed by the Greek Junta aimed to unite Cyprus with Greece, prompting a Turkish invasion. 
• Though the government in Nicosia was restored, Turkish troops remained, and the northeast declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

Mains Practise Question

India’s engagement with Cyprus reflects both strategic signalling and deep-rooted bilateral trust." Critically examine the evolving nature of India–Cyprus relations in the context of changing geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. (15M,250W).