PM Modi Cyprus Visit Live Updates: PM departs from Cyprus; to attend G7 summit in Canada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Cyprus. He will be visiting Canada to attend the G7 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed optimism about the growing ties between India and Cyprus, stating that the partnership between the two nations is poised for greater heights.

Speaking on the shared vision of progress and cooperation, Modi said, "...I am confident that in the time to come, our active partnership will touch new heights. Together, we will not only strengthen the progress of our two nations but also contribute towards building a peaceful and secure global environment..."

India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, highlighting myriad economic opportunities the country offers to companies from Cyprus.
Modi, who is in Cyprus on the first leg of his three-nation tour, made the remarks as he, along with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, attended a business roundtable on Sunday in Limassol, a city on the southern coast of Cyprus.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's rapid economic transformation in the last 11 years and noted that the country, propelled by next-generation reforms, policy predictability, stable polity and Ease of Doing Business, has become the fastest-growing major economy in the world, the External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi said in a statement.

Emphasising the primacy being given to innovation, digital revolution, start-ups and futuristic infrastructure development, he expressed confidence that India, the fifth largest economy in the world, was well positioned to become the third largest in a few years’ time.

"India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. India is one of the biggest emerging economies. We have implemented tax reforms, Goods and Services Tax, rationalised corporate tax, decriminalised laws, and are focusing on 'trust of doing business', along with ease of doing business."

He said that steady growth in India’s civil aviation, port, shipbuilding, digital payments and green development sectors has opened myriad opportunities for companies from Cyprus to partner with India, the statement said.

"For the first time in 23 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited Cyprus, and the first event that has been organised is the business roundtable meeting. This shows the importance of business leaders in the India-Cyprus relationship," the Prime Minister said.

He also underlined the strengths of India’s skilled talent and start-up ecosystem and highlighted manufacturing, AI, quantum, semiconductor and critical minerals as new and emerging areas contributing to India’s growth story.

"You all (business leaders) are aware of India's talent and demographic dividend. In the last 10 years, a digital revolution has taken place in India. Around 50 per cent of the world's digital transactions take place in India, thanks to the Unified Payments Interface or UPI. Countries like France are associated with this, and talks are also underway with Cyprus for this, and I welcome this move," he said.

Prime Minister noted that Cyprus was a significant economic partner for India, particularly in the Foreign Direct Investment sector and welcomed the keen interest in Cyprus for new investments into the Indian economy.

Modi highlighted the "immense potential for growth" in bilateral ties.

Cyprus has been a "reliable partner to India for a long time now," he said.

Modi called Cyprus a "famous tourist destination" and added that India, too, is focusing on destination development and management, and so, "close collaboration between our tour operators will be a 'win-win'".

He added that many other sectors also have the potential for such collaborations.

Highlighting the potential for business engagement in the financial services sector, the two leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU between the NSE International Exchange GIFT CITY, Gujarat and the Cyprus Stock Exchange, the statement said.

NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited) and the Eurobank Cyprus reached an understanding on introducing UPI for cross-border payments between the two countries, which would benefit tourists and businesses, it said.

Prime Minister also welcomed the launch of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council, which will foster trilateral cooperation in sectors such as shipping, logistics, renewable energy, civil aviation and digital services.

Prime Minister welcomed the fact that many Indian companies see Cyprus as a gateway to Europe and a hub for IT services, financial management, and tourism.

As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the EU Council next year, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen India-EU Strategic Partnership, the statement said.

They expressed optimism about concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year which would also give a major boost to trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister underlined that the business roundtable had given practical suggestions which would form the basis for a structured economic roadmap, ensuring long-term collaboration in trade, innovation and strategic sectors, he added.

With shared aspirations and a future-focused approach, India and Cyprus are poised for a new era of dynamic and mutually beneficial economic cooperation, the statement said.

The participants of the roundtable represented diverse sectors such as banking, financial institutions, manufacturing, defence, logistics, maritime, shipping, technology, innovation, digital technologies, AI, IT services, tourism and mobility.

In a post on X after the meeting, Modi said, "Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs in order to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus."

"Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential. I also talked about India’s reform trajectory in the last decade," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in a business roundtable here with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and called for strengthening bilateral cooperation, which has "immense potential for growth".
The prime minister, who arrived here earlier in the day, addressed business leaders from India and Cyprus at the meeting.

Modi highlighted the "immense potential for growth" in bilateral ties and said that Cyprus has been a "reliable partner to India for a long time now".

"Many Indian companies see it as a gateway to Europe," he said.

"Further cementing investment, technology & business linkages," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, attaching pictures from the event.

"PM @narendramodi accompanied by President @Christodulides addressed a business roundtable, which saw participation by leading business leaders of Cyprus and Indian companies," he said.

"The leaders called for strengthening economic ties in the fields of trade, investment, financial services, fintech, start-up, innovation, AI, IT, logistics, defence, connectivity, shipping and mobility," he added.

Addressing the event, Modi said, "After 23 year an Indian prime minister has come to Cyprus and the first programme was the business roundtable. This is a sign of how important people connected with the economic world are to India and Cyprus ties."

He also talked about India's growth story and said that the country has focused equally on "trust of doing business" as on "ease of doing business".

Calling Cyprus a "famous tourist destination", he said that India, too, is focusing on destination development and management, and so, "close collaboration between our tour operators will be a 'win-win'".

He added that many other sectors also have the potential for such collaborations.

According to officials, during the prime minister's visit, an MoU was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Eurobank of Cyprus to introduce UPI services in Cyprus for cross-border transactions.

In his address, Modi said that because of UPI, 50 per cent of the world's digital transactions today take place in India.

According to officials, NSE International Exchange Gift City also signed an MoU with the Cyprus Stock Exchange to enable cross-border flows.

This is the first of its kind arrangement between Europe and Gift City India and will benefit investors in GIFT City, Cyprus and Europe, they said.

In a video message on X ahead of the roundtable, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said that at the forum, "ideas about how to strengthen India-Cyprus business partnership in newer areas of engagement such as startup, innovation, digital payments, shipping, shipbuilding, ports etc will be identified, talked about, and discussed."

Modi's two-day visit to Cyprus is the first by an Indian prime minister in over two decades.

Upon his arrival, he was welcomed at the Larnaca International Airport by Christodoulides in a special gesture.

During the visit, the two leaders will also hold talks to strengthen bilateral ties.

Modi's visit will "reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union," according to a statement by the MEA.

Bilateral trade between India and Cyprus has remained "steady amidst fluctuations" over recent years, and was USD 136.96 million for April 2023-March 2024, according to the MEA.

Terming Cyprus a "reliable partner" for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for strengthening bilateral cooperation, which has "immense potential for growth".

Modi, who arrived here on the first leg of his three-nation tour, made the remarks while attending a business roundtable along with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Addressing business leaders, Modi highlighted the "immense potential for growth" in bilateral ties.

Cyprus has been a "reliable partner to India for a long time now," he said.

In a post on X after the meeting, he said, "Boosting business linkages! President Nikos Christodoulides and I interacted with leading CEOs in order to add vigour to commercial linkages between India and Cyprus."

"Sectors like innovation, energy, technology and more offer immense potential. I also talked about India’s reform trajectory in the last decade," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the India-Cyprus CEO Forum, emphasized India's significant progress and economic strengths following his government's third consecutive election win. "It has happened after 6 decades that the same government has been elected for the third consecutive time," he noted.

PM Modi highlighted a "digital revolution" over the past decade, citing that "50 per cent of the world's digital transactions take place in India through Unified Payments Interface i.e. UPI."

The Prime Minister welcomed talks to include Cyprus in UPI, similar to France. He stated, "We are investing more than a hundred billion dollars annually in the development of futuristic infrastructure."

He also detailed focus areas including the new Manufacturing Mission, maritime and port development, shipbuilding, and a rapidly expanding civil aviation sector. He concluded by stressing that "Innovation has become a strong pillar of India's economic strength. Our more than 1 lakh startups sell solutions, not just dreams."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday participated in a business roundtable here with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and called for strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, investment and defence.

The prime minister, who arrived here earlier in the day, addressed business leaders from India and Cyprus at the meeting.

"Further cementing investment, technology & business linkages," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, attaching pictures from the event.

"PM @narendramodi accompanied by President @Christodulides addressed a business roundtable, which saw participation by leading business leaders of Cyprus and Indian companies," he said.

"The leaders called for strengthening economic ties in the fields of trade, investment, financial services, fintech, start-up, innovation, AI, IT, logistics, defence, connectivity, shipping and mobility," he added.

In a video message on X ahead of the meeting, Jaiswal said that at the forum, "ideas about how to strengthen India-Cyprus business partnership in newer areas of engagement such as startup, innovation, digital payments, shipping, shipbuilding, ports etc will be identified, talked about, and discussed."

Modi's two-day visit to Cyprus is the first by an Indian prime minister in over two decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India looks forward to strengthening its friendship with Cyprus, as he shared a video highlighting the warm welcome extended during the diplomatic engagement.

“India looks forward to deepening friendship with Cyprus! Here are highlights from the welcome today…” PM Modi posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), along with a video showcasing key moments from the reception.

The post comes amid ongoing efforts to boost bilateral ties in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and cultural exchange. India and Cyprus have maintained friendly relations, with both nations supporting each other on international platforms.

The video shared by the Prime Minister included glimpses of ceremonial receptions, meetings with Cypriot officials, and cultural interactions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides participated in a business roundtable on Saturday, focusing on enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

The event, held in Limassol, brought together key industry leaders and government officials to discuss opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital payments, maritime trade, and financial services.

"This business roundtable is a platform to deepen our economic partnership and explore new frontiers," PM Modi said, highlighting India's digital transformation and its potential for global cooperation.

President Christodoulides welcomed Modi’s visit and emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral engagement in technology-driven sectors and shipping, given Cyprus’s strategic location in the Mediterranean.

The roundtable comes during PM Modi’s first visit to Cyprus, which the Ministry of External Affairs described as a reaffirmation of the “historic, warm, and enduring” ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus, marking his first visit to the island nation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as a significant step in India’s long-standing and warm relationship with Cyprus.

"This is his first visit to this beautiful country. Our ties with Cyprus are historic, warm and enduring," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He added that PM Modi was received at the airport by the President of Cyprus—a gesture Jaiswal called "special" and symbolic of the strong bilateral bond.

Later in the day, PM Modi and the Cypriot President are scheduled to address a business round table. The discussion will aim to explore new areas of collaboration, including digital payments and shipping, signaling a shift towards next-generation economic cooperation.

“Tomorrow, of course, is a special day,” Jaiswal said, outlining the formal engagements ahead. Modi will be given a ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace, followed by delegation-level talks and a press interaction. He is expected to depart Cyprus shortly after for the next leg of his diplomatic tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to Cyprus, spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the tragic bridge collapse over the Indrayani River near Talegaon in Pune district.

In a post shared by news agency ANI, it was reported that PM Modi was briefed by CM Fadnavis on the ongoing rescue and relief operations. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the incident and extended support to those affected.

The iron bridge, located in the Kundamala area of Maval tehsil, collapsed on Sunday evening under the weight of weekend tourists. At least two people have died and 32 have been injured. Several others were rescued or are being treated in nearby hospitals.

Rescue efforts are underway, led by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and local authorities. The Maharashtra government has announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and will bear the medical expenses of the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from members of the Indian diaspora in Limassol on Sunday, with families describing the experience as emotional and unforgettable.

After meeting PM Modi at a hotel in the coastal city, Narender, a resident and proud father, said, “This is my daughter. Prime Minister Modi blessed her. We felt happy. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us.”

Another community member echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are all excited that Prime Minister Modi has come here. This is a proud moment for us. We are happy.”

The Prime Minister is on a two-day official visit to Cyprus at the invitation of President Nikos Christodoulides, part of his three-nation tour that includes stops in Canada for the G7 Summit and in Croatia.

The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over 20 years and is aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people ties. PM Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with the Cypriot President and engage with business leaders during his stay.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with warmth and cheers by members of the Indian diaspora as he arrived at a hotel in Limassol on Sunday, marking the start of his two-day official visit to Cyprus.

Modi, who is on the first leg of a three-nation tour, interacted with members of the Indian community, many of whom had gathered early to welcome him with traditional songs, cultural performances, and tricolour flags. The Prime Minister exchanged greetings and briefly addressed the gathering before heading into his scheduled meetings.

At the invitation of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Modi is visiting the Mediterranean nation from June 15 to 16. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades.

The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in areas of trade, investment, security, technology, and people-to-people ties. During his stay, PM Modi will also hold formal talks with President Christodoulides and meet business leaders at an event in Limassol.

Following Cyprus, Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, where he will attend the G7 Summit on June 16–17. His final stop will be Croatia, where he is expected to hold discussions with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

In a statement before his departure, PM Modi described Cyprus as a close friend and key partner in the EU, and said the visit would help build upon historical bonds between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday and was personally welcomed at the airport by President Nikos Christodoulides.

Shortly after his arrival, PM Modi tweeted: “Landed in Cyprus. My gratitude to the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, for the special gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will add significant momentum to India-Cyprus relations, especially in areas like trade, investment and more.”

The visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. Modi is on a two-day official visit as part of a three-nation tour that also includes Canada and Croatia.

In Cyprus, he is expected to hold bilateral talks with the President and address business leaders to boost economic cooperation.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Cyprus through discussions on trade, investment, technology, and cultural cooperation. PM Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks and engage in various diplomatic activities during his stay.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Cyprus, members of the Indian diaspora in Limassol are expressing excitement and admiration ahead of his arrival.

Deepali, an active member of the Indian community, said, “We will welcome Prime Minister Modi with enthusiasm. It is a matter of good fortune for us that we will be able to meet him today.”

Kavita Jain, another member of the diaspora, shared a personal message she composed for the Prime Minister: “I have written a few lines for him... We are proud of every operation done under your leadership. We have started to understand how important a leader like you is for us...”

The sentiments reflect the strong connection many Indians living in Cyprus feel towards PM Modi, seeing his visit as a significant moment for both the community and India-Cyprus relations.

This stop is part of PM Modi’s broader three-nation tour, which includes attending the G7 Summit in Canada on June 16-17 and a visit to Croatia.

During his visit to Cyprus, the Prime Minister is expected to hold talks with Cypriot leadership to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and cultural exchanges. The visit also aims to deepen strategic ties between the two nations.

Official engagements and bilateral meetings are scheduled over the two days before PM Modi proceeds to Canada for the G7 Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus on Thursday, where he was warmly received by the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.

PM Modi is on a two-day official visit to Cyprus from June 15 to 16, at the invitation of President Christodoulides. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Cyprus.