INVC NEWS
New Delhi — : The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a strategic 3-nation foreign tour from June 15 to June 18, marking his first international visit post-Operation Sindoori. The visit holds geopolitical significance as it encompasses Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, aiming to fortify India’s diplomatic and economic bonds with key global players.
PM Modi’s Visit to Cyprus: Reviving an Important Strategic Relationship
PM Modi’s first stop is Cyprus (June 15–16), a Mediterranean nation with historical ties to India. This marks the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Cyprus in over two decades.
Key Agendas in Cyprus
Bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides to strengthen ties in defense, technology, and trade.
Focus on Indian diaspora engagement: PM Modi will interact with Indian entrepreneurs in Limassol, recognizing their contributions in fields like shipping, IT, and wellness.
Cultural diplomacy through Ayurveda and Yoga: The visit is expected to amplify India’s soft power. Local organizations, such as JEPA Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat, are hosting large-scale events, including International Yoga Day celebrations.
Discussions will likely include India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with Cyprus assuming EU presidency in 2026.
India’s High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish Chauhan, confirmed that Cyprus remains a vocal supporter of India’s bid for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and a key ally in the fight against cross-border terrorism.
Canada: A Crucial G7 Platform and Diplomatic Crossroads
From June 16–17, PM Modi will attend the G7 Summit in Canada, held at Kananaskis, on the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
India-Canada Bilateral Dynamics
While political tensions have intermittently clouded relations, trade, diaspora, and global cooperation remain at the core of Indo-Canadian engagement. The India Canada Organization (ICO) in Montreal extended a warm welcome, expressing hope that the PM’s visit will “enrich and fortify bilateral ties”.
Global South and G7 Dialogues
PM Modi is expected to:
Advocate for Global South priorities on climate change, digital inclusion, and global governance reforms.
Emphasize India’s leadership in the fight against terrorism and call for a united global front.
Hold bilateral meetings with G7 leaders, addressing issues from supply chain resilience to geopolitical stability.
This will be PM Modi’s sixth consecutive appearance at the G7 summit, reflecting India’s growing role in shaping global policies.
Congress Criticism Over Domestic Priorities
The tour drew criticism from opposition parties, notably the Indian National Congress, which questioned Modi’s energy for international diplomacy over domestic concerns, especially the ongoing crisis in Manipur. Congress accused the PM of “neglecting domestic empathy” while engaging in high-profile global diplomacy.
However, BJP leaders emphasized that global engagements and domestic governance go hand-in-hand, reaffirming that India must maintain its leadership on international platforms like the G7 while addressing internal issues simultaneously.
Croatia: A Historic First Visit by an Indian Prime Minister
On June 18, PM Modi will arrive in Croatia, marking a historic milestone — the first-ever visit by an Indian PM to the Balkan nation.
Key Highlights of the Croatia Visit
Meetings with President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to explore new strategic, cultural, and economic avenues.
Strengthening Indo-Croatian partnerships in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and defense innovation.
Building on shared cultural heritage: India and Croatia enjoy a deep-rooted cultural connection, with mutual admiration for literature, philosophy, and classical arts.
This visit is expected to open new chapters in Indo-European cooperation, expanding India’s diplomatic footprint in Central and Eastern Europe.
Ayurveda and Yoga as Instruments of Global Diplomacy
A recurring theme throughout PM Modi’s visit is the promotion of India’s ancient wellness traditions. In Cyprus, especially, there is an observable surge in enthusiasm for Ayurveda and Yoga. Local yoga instructors like Anil Bhandari and Ayurveda professionals like Dr. Ashish acknowledged that PM Modi’s leadership has globalized these disciplines, turning them into symbols of peace and health.
In Nicosia and Limassol, large-scale yoga sessions are being planned, including one coinciding with International Yoga Day. Indian diplomatic missions and wellness centers aim to utilize this momentum to foster cultural exchange.
Economic Implications and Trade Talks
India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Cyprus is seen as a critical gateway to the EU. As it prepares to take over the EU Council Presidency in 2026, it is poised to facilitate and fast-track negotiations on the India-EU FTA, a deal with the potential to boost bilateral trade volumes exponentially.
Technology and Innovation
India’s partnerships with all three countries—Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia—include digital transformation, AI, and green technology, aligning with PM Modi’s Digital India and Make in India initiatives.
Diaspora Engagement: Strengthening People-to-People Ties
PM Modi’s tour will also strengthen bonds with the Indian diaspora, a consistent pillar of his foreign policy.
Cyprus: With over 11,500 Indians, primarily working in shipping, IT, and academia, the Indian community enjoys a strong reputation. Locals admire Indian culture, cuisine, and especially Yoga.
Canada: Home to one of the largest Indian diasporas globally, Canada’s Indian-origin population exceeds 1.4 million, deeply embedded in the nation’s political, economic, and cultural fabric.
Croatia: Though smaller in number, the Indian community has contributed notably to fields like medicine and education.
Strategic Summary: Strengthening India’s Global Voice
PM Modi’s 3-nation tour underscores a robust, multipronged foreign policy approach:
In Cyprus, the focus is on economic diplomacy, soft power, and EU connectivity.
In Canada, it’s about global leadership, multilateralism, and G7 representation.
In Croatia, it’s about historic diplomacy and opening untapped diplomatic frontiers.
This foreign tour not only seeks to elevate India’s diplomatic engagement but also reaffirms India’s role as a reliable global partner in navigating post-pandemic recovery, regional security, and sustainable development.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring LIVE UPDATES and insights from PM Modi’s landmark visit across three nations—a journey set to redefine India’s global narrative in the 21st century.
