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PM Narendra Modi will visit Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia over five days to meet leaders, address business leaders, attend the G7 Summit, and strengthen bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Cyprus. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-day trip to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, starting today. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades.
PM Modi will hold talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol, reaffirming the shared commitment to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said, “On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President H.E. Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”
From Cyprus, he will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Prime Minister H.E. Mark Carney. “The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries,” the statement added.
On 18 June, he will visit the Republic of Croatia and have meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. “Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, the statement added.
A key highlight of PM Modi’s trip will be his first meeting with Canadian PM Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. The External Affairs Ministry views this meeting as a chance to reboot India-Canada relations, built on mutual respect, common interests, and consideration for each other’s concerns. Notably, this will be PM Modi’s first visit to Canada in 10 years.
India-Canada relations took a hit when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed in September 2023 that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India vehemently denied the allegation, calling it “absurd,” and counter-accused Canada of harbouring separatist and radical elements that threatened Indian diplomats.
The Modi-Carney meeting is a crucial step towards reviving the strained relationship, which reached a historic low over the past year, marked by diplomatic expulsions and downgraded ties.
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