In a rare show of bipartisan support, Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi has publicly endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the ceasefire line in Nicosia, Cyprus, calling it a “welcome step” and a long-overdue gesture of solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus.
🗺️ PM Modi’s Visit Sends Strong Message to Turkey
During his June 15–16 visit, PM Modi viewed the Turkish-occupied mountains from atop a building in Nicosia alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides—a move widely interpreted as a symbolic rebuke of Turkish expansionism. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades, significantly boosting bilateral ties.
🗣️ Singhvi: “Enough is Enough”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Singhvi wrote:
“Welcome step by PM Modi to look over illegally occupied land of Cyprus by Turkey. Have been advocating this since a long time. However, better late than never. Enough is enough. Stand with Cyprus: demand sovereignty, oppose expansionism!”
🌍 Geopolitical Context and Strategic Implications
The visit comes amid strained India-Turkey relations, particularly after Ankara’s vocal support for Pakistan during recent regional tensions. Turkey’s recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—a breakaway state recognized only by Ankara—remains a major point of contention in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney noted that Modi’s visit signals India’s intent to deepen ties with Turkey’s regional rivals, especially as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council presidency in 2026.
🤝 Cyprus Thanks India for Long-Standing Support
President Christodoulides expressed gratitude for India’s consistent stance on the Cyprus issue and reaffirmed support for India’s fight against terrorism. He also highlighted Cyprus’s role as a gateway to Europe and a key partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
