Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus is perceived by Turkey as a sign of India deepening ties with regional rivals. Cypriot support for India contrasts with Turkey’s ties to Pakistan. Modi emphasized economic cooperation and called Cyprus a “reliable partner.” Several MOUs were signed to boost economic collaboration. Modi’s visit could shift regional dynamics amid increasing tensions with Turkey.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Cyprus has stirred discussions, particularly among Turkish officials. Brahma Chellaney, a prominent geostrategist, suggests that Ankara may interpret this visit as a signal of India’s growing closeness with its regional adversaries, such as Nicosia. This perspective is shaped by two main factors: Turkey’s support for Pakistan during conflicts with India and the history of strained relations between Turkey and Cyprus.
Chellaney warns that Turkey might see Modi’s stop in gas-rich Cyprus as a sign of India’s strengthening relationships with neighboring states like Greece, Armenia, and Egypt. Unlike Turkey’s longstanding military alliance with Pakistan, Cyprus has a different role, having historically supported India, which includes backing India’s quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Looking ahead, Cyprus is preparing to take over the presidency of the European Union Council next year, which makes it a significant player in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Chellaney notes that India’s deepening involvement could not only elevate Cyprus’s status in energy diplomacy but also expand New Delhi’s influence in the Mediterranean region, thus bolstering a coalition against Turkish territorial expansion.
During his visit, Modi hailed Cyprus as a “reliable partner” for India, signaling a clear intent to enhance bilateral cooperation. Attending a business roundtable with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides marked a crucial highlight of his trip, which is the first undertaken by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years to the island nation. This underscores the importance of economic ties between India and Cyprus.
Moreover, Modi emphasized Cyprus as a well-known tourist destination, indicating that India is committed to developing and managing tourism in the region. This emphasis comes as tourism from India to Turkey sharply decreased following Turkey’s support of Pakistan. In response to political tensions, Indian users on social media campaigns have called for boycotting Turkey for travel, alongside its products and services. The Indian government also withdrew security clearance for the Turkish service provider Celebi, citing national security issues.
In terms of economic collaboration, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were established during Modi’s visit. These include agreements between the National Payments Corporation of India and Eurobank of Cyprus aimed at introducing Unified Payments Interface services in Cyprus. Another MoU was signed to facilitate cross-border financial flows between NSE International Exchange Gift City and the Cyprus Stock Exchange, further solidifying economic ties.
In summary, Modi’s visit to Cyprus could have notable implications for India’s relations with Turkey and the broader regional dynamics, particularly as it relates to energy, tourism, and economic cooperation. By strengthening ties with Cyprus, India seems poised to navigate a complex landscape marked by geopolitical challenges and economic opportunity. The developments following this visit will likely resonate in both diplomatic and economic spheres, suggesting a shift in regional alliances and interests.
Original Source: www.businesstoday.in
