PM Modi’s Historic Cyprus Visit – First in 22 Years! What’s Next?

PM Modi’s Big 3-Country Trip Kicks Off in Cyprus—Here’s Why It Matters

So, Modi’s off on another international tour—this time hitting Cyprus first, then Canada for the G7, and wrapping up in Croatia. Big deal? Actually, yeah. This isn’t just another diplomatic photo-op. For starters, no Indian PM has set foot in Cyprus since Vajpayee back in 2002. That’s 22 years ago, if you’re counting. And let’s be real: when Modi travels, he’s not just sightseeing. There’s always a game plan.

1. Cyprus Visit: More Than Just History

1.1 Why Bother With a Tiny Island?

Okay, Cyprus isn’t exactly an economic powerhouse. But here’s the thing—it’s like a backdoor into Europe. Strategic location? Check. Growing trade ties? Yep (though $100 million is peanuts compared to India’s other partners). Plus, there’s this: about 4,500 Indians live there, mostly doctors and hotel workers. Small but influential.

And maritime security—that’s where things get interesting. With all the drama in the Mediterranean lately, having friends in the neighborhood? Smart move.

1.2 What’s Actually Happening There

Modi’s meeting Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides—say that five times fast—and they’ll probably sign some MoUs. Tech, energy, the usual stuff. But cybersecurity? That’s where I’d put my money. Both countries are paranoid about hackers (can you blame them?).

Oh, and counterterrorism talks. Because let’s face it, nobody wants another mess in that region.

1.3 The Backstory You Might Not Know

Fun fact: Cyprus had India’s back during the 1962 China war. And when Cyprus got split in 1974, India returned the favor. That kind of loyalty matters, even if trade numbers are still modest. Pharma and IT are doing okay there, but the real story? It’s about positioning.

2. G7 in Canada: Where Things Get Real

2.1 Why Is India Even There?

Let me put it this way—the G7 invites “outreach” countries when they need something. Climate change? Global security? Economic stability? Guess who’s become the go-to voice for the Global South? Modi’s going to push India’s agenda hard, especially with the West struggling with inflation and… well, everything else.

2.2 The Trump Factor

Okay, this is juicy. If Modi and Trump meet—big if—expect fireworks. H-1B visas, trade wars, the whole shebang. But honestly? I’m more interested in whether Trudeau and Modi can stop side-eyeing each other long enough to reset Canada-India relations. After that whole Khalistan mess? Good luck.

2.3 What India Really Wants

Beyond the usual trade stuff, watch for two things: Middle East diplomacy (India’s walking a tightrope between Iran and Israel) and tech deals. Semiconductors, AI—that’s where the future is. Modi knows it.

3. Croatia: The Dark Horse of the Tour

3.1 Why Croatia, Though?

Nobody talks about Croatia much, but here’s the play: it’s India’s foot in the EU door. Since joining in 2013, it’s become this weird little hub for startups. Indian tech companies? They’re drooling over the chance to test European waters there. Think of it as a trial run before going big in Germany or France.

3.2 Modi’s Master Plan

This whole tour isn’t random. It’s classic Modi—playing all sides without committing too hard to anyone. Europe? Check. North America? Yep. Mediterranean? Got it covered. Some call it “multi-alignment.” I call it not putting all your eggs in one basket.

4. What’s Next for India?

Look, this tour is just the warm-up. With BRICS and the UN General Assembly coming up, Modi’s basically living on a plane these days. The message? India’s done being a bystander. They want a say in how the world runs. And given how chaotic everything is right now, who’s going to stop them?

The Bottom Line

This isn’t just about handshakes and press releases. Every stop on this trip—Cyprus, Canada, Croatia—is another chess move. Maritime security, tech partnerships, global influence—it all adds up. One analyst nailed it: “This isn’t foreign policy. It’s future policy.” And honestly? I think they’re right.

Source: Times of India – Main