During his landmark visit to Cyprus—his first to the island nation and the first by any Indian Prime Minister in over two decades—PM Narendra Modi was conferred with Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. PM Modi accepted the award on behalf of the people of India, dedicating it to the enduring friendship between the two nations. His visit also saw a significant boost in economic dialogue, as he addressed CEOs from India and Cyprus and announced new initiatives for trilateral cooperation involving Greece.
A Tribute to Shared Values
Receiving the honour from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi called the award a tribute not just to him but to the 1.4 billion Indians he represents. “This honour is not just a recognition of me, PM Modi — it is an honour for 1.4 billion Indians. It is a tribute to their strength and aspirations,” he said. He added that the award also reflects global recognition of India’s ancient culture, values, and inclusive philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
PM Modi emphasized that the honour also acknowledges Cyprus’s deep understanding of India’s traditions and principles. “I dedicate this award to the friendship between India and Cyprus, to our shared values,” he said, noting that it reinforces the countries’ shared commitment to peace, sovereignty, and prosperity.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties
The Prime Minister’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome and was marked by a strong emphasis on economic cooperation. At the India-Cyprus CEO Forum, PM Modi praised the newly launched India-Cyprus-Greece Business and Investment Council as a promising platform for trilateral economic engagement. He encouraged Cypriot investors to explore opportunities in India across sectors like technology, energy, and innovation.
PM Modi also noted that the Cyprus Stock Exchange and India’s National Stock Exchange have agreed to collaborate in Gujarat’s GIFT City, opening new avenues for financial sector cooperation. He assured that ideas from the CEO Forum would be taken forward with actionable outcomes, reflecting India’s pro-reform agenda over the past decade.
In a social media post, PM Modi highlighted his meeting with President Christodoulides and top Cypriot CEOs, calling it a meaningful step toward stronger bilateral trade relations and deeper collaboration in sectors with high growth potential.
