Vishal
June 16, 2025 | Nicosia/Calgary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a strategically significant three-nation tour, marking a pivotal moment in India’s diplomatic engagements on the global stage.
After concluding a historic two-day state visit to the Republic of Cyprus – India’s key Mediterranean partner – the Prime Minister departed for Calgary, Canada, where he will participate in the 51st G7 Summit being held in the picturesque mountain resort town of Kananaskis.
This high-profile visit holds special significance as it represents PM Modi’s first official trip to Canada in nearly a decade, underscoring India’s growing geopolitical influence and its commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation with Western nations.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary reflects India’s carefully calibrated foreign policy approach that balances bilateral partnerships with multilateral engagements.
His visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s trip in 2002, served to revitalize relations with a nation that has consistently supported India’s position on critical international issues.
The timing of the visit is particularly noteworthy, coming just weeks after India’s decisive counter-terrorism operation in the region and amid ongoing tensions with Turkey, which maintains close ties with Pakistan.
PM Modi’s Landmark Visit to Cyprus: A Strategic Re-engagement
Before heading to North America for the G7 deliberations, PM Modi’s Cyprus visit marked a watershed moment in bilateral relations between the two democracies.
The Mediterranean island nation rolled out the red carpet for the Indian leader, with President Nikos Christodoulides personally welcoming him at Larnaca International Airport in a special gesture reserved for closest allies. The two-day visit was packed with substantive diplomatic engagements that elevated the relationship to a new strategic level.
The visit’s importance was further amplified by Cyprus’s geographical position as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and its emerging role as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
With India seeking to expand its footprint in the region through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the timing of PM Modi’s visit couldn’t have been more opportune.
Cyprus:
Indian PM Modi calls for resolution of Cyprus issue based on UN Security Council resolutions, among other rules
PS: UNSC resolution on Cyprus call for removal of Turkish foreign troops from northern Cyprus
India statement: pic.twitter.com/kitA1UxGqU
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 16, 2025
Key Highlights from the Cyprus Visit:
1. Highest Civilian Honour – Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
In a moving ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, President Christodoulides conferred Cyprus’s highest state honor – the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III – upon PM Modi.
This prestigious award, named after Cyprus’s founding president Archbishop Makarios III, recognizes exceptional contributions to international peace and bilateral relations.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional PM Modi dedicated the honor to “the 1.4 billion people of India and the timeless friendship between our nations.”
He framed the recognition as an endorsement of India’s civilizational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) that guides New Delhi’s global engagements.
The award marks PM Modi’s 23rd international honor, reflecting his stature as a global statesman.
2. Strengthening Strategic Bilateral Ties
The bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Christodoulides covered an expansive agenda:
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Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: In a strong show of solidarity, Cyprus extended “unwavering support” for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism, specifically referencing the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The joint statement contained unequivocal condemnation of all forms of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism – a clear reference to Pakistan.
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Defense & Security Collaboration: The two leaders agreed to deepen defense industrial cooperation, with special focus on cybersecurity, maritime security, and emerging technologies. This gains significance given Cyprus’s strategic location and India’s growing defense exports.
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Economic Partnerships: The India-Cyprus CEO Forum saw concrete outcomes, including an agreement between the Cyprus Stock Exchange and India’s NSE to collaborate in Gujarat’s GIFT City. Both sides identified fintech, renewable energy, and shipping as key areas for investment.
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Cultural & People-to-People Ties: Plans were finalized to enhance air connectivity and simplify visa procedures to boost tourism and academic exchanges between the two nations.
3. Strategic Messaging on Regional Geopolitics
PM Modi’s symbolic visit to the UN-patrolled Green Line in Nicosia – the buffer zone separating Greek Cypriot south from Turkish-occupied north – sent ripples through diplomatic circles.
His photograph with the flag of Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus in the background was interpreted as a calculated diplomatic signal to Ankara, which has been increasingly hostile toward India.
The joint statement’s strong language supporting Cyprus’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – coming just weeks after Turkey’s provocative statements on Kashmir – highlighted India’s willingness to reciprocate in kind.
Analysts viewed this as part of New Delhi’s broader strategy to cultivate relationships with Turkey’s regional rivals including Greece, Armenia and now Cyprus.
The visit also saw progress on operationalizing the India-Cyprus-Greece trilateral mechanism, which could emerge as an important platform to counterbalance Turkish influence in the Mediterranean.
With Cyprus set to assume the EU Council presidency in 2026, PM Modi’s outreach ensures India will have a sympathetic voice in Brussels.
As Air India One departed from Larnaca for the transatlantic flight to Canada, the Cyprus visit had already achieved its key objectives – revitalizing an old friendship, advancing economic interests, and sending a clear geopolitical message.
All eyes now turn to Kananaskis, where PM Modi will bring India’s perspective to the G7’s discussions on the most pressing global challenges.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Cyprus for conferring upon me ‘The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.’
This isn’t my honour. It is an honour for 140 crore Indians. I dedicate this award to the everlasting friendship between India and… pic.twitter.com/Q9p7LQGNfq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2025
PM Modi Heads to Canada for G7 Summit: India’s Strategic Engagement on the Global Stage
From the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on the transatlantic leg of his three-nation tour, arriving in Calgary, Canada, to participate in the 51st G7 Summit hosted at the luxurious Kananaskis Mountain Resort. This high-profile gathering of the world’s most advanced economies comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics, with mounting economic uncertainties, escalating climate crises, and persistent security challenges reshaping the international order. PM Modi’s participation at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marks his sixth consecutive appearance at the elite forum, cementing India’s position as an indispensable voice in shaping 21st-century global governance.
India’s Growing Influence at the G7
As the only non-G7 leader invited to participate in the summit’s working sessions, PM Modi’s presence underscores the grouping’s recognition of India as both a strategic partner and a vital bridge between the Global North and South. This year’s summit holds particular significance as it represents the first major multilateral engagement since India’s decisive counter-terrorism operations in the region, giving New Delhi an opportunity to present its security perspective directly to Western powers.
The Prime Minister’s arrival in Calgary was marked by a warm welcome from senior Canadian officials, reflecting the thaw in bilateral relations following recent trade disputes. Notably, this visit – the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Canada since 2015 – coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Commonwealth nations, adding historical resonance to the engagement.
Key Agenda Items and India’s Contributions
1. Global Economic Stability & Trade Partnerships
Against the backdrop of sluggish global growth and supply chain disruptions, PM Modi is expected to:
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Advocate for reformed multilateral institutions that better reflect 21st-century economic realities
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Present India as a reliable alternative in global supply chains through its “China Plus One” manufacturing ecosystem
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Push for early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, with Canada’s support
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Highlight India’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) model as a template for inclusive growth
2. Climate Change & Green Energy Initiatives
Building on India’s leadership at COP28, the Prime Minister will:
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Showcase progress on India’s 500 GW renewable energy target
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Seek technology partnerships for clean energy transition under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework
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Propose a Global Biofuels Alliance to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
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Highlight initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
3. Counter-Terrorism & Cybersecurity
Fresh from securing Cyprus’s strong endorsement of India’s counter-terror stance, PM Modi will:
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Present evidence of cross-border terrorism networks affecting regional stability
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Seek consensus on comprehensive UN reforms to combat state-sponsored terrorism
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Propose a G7-India working group on critical infrastructure cybersecurity
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Share India’s successful model of counter-radicalization and deradicalization programs
4. India’s Role as a Key Global Player
The summit provides a platform to:
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Articulate India’s vision for the Global South in international decision-making
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Demonstrate India’s capacity as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific
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Forge technology partnerships in AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors
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Position India as the natural leader of the developing world in shaping new global norms
Strategic Bilateral Engagements on the Margins
Beyond the formal summit agenda, PM Modi’s schedule includes crucial bilateral meetings with:
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U.S. President (to advance defense and technology cooperation under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology)
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UK Prime Minister (to finalize the delayed FTA negotiations)
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Japanese PM (to accelerate infrastructure projects in Northeast India and Africa)
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European Commission President (to resolve market access issues)
These interactions gain added significance as India prepares to host the G20 Summit later this year, allowing PM Modi to build consensus on key issues in advance.
Why This Participation Matters
India’s consistent presence at G7 summits reflects several strategic realities:
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The grouping’s acknowledgment that solving global challenges requires Indian involvement
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India’s unique ability to articulate Global South concerns in Western-dominated forums
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The West’s growing reliance on India as a democratic counterweight to authoritarian regimes
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India’s emergence as a solutions provider – from vaccine diplomacy to food security
As the summit concludes, all eyes will be on what deliverables emerge from PM Modi’s engagements – particularly regarding technology transfers, climate financing, and security cooperation. With India set to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027, this G7 appearance marks another milestone in New Delhi’s journey from being a rule-taker to a rule-maker in the international system.
The Prime Minister’s ability to navigate these complex discussions while advancing Indian interests will demonstrate whether India can truly bridge the divide between established powers and emerging economies in shaping a more equitable global order. As the Kananaskis summit unfolds, one thing is clear – when the G7 discusses the world’s most pressing issues, India’s voice is no longer at the periphery but at the very center of these critical conversations.
