PM Modi Receives Cyprus' Highest Civilian Honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on June 16, 2025, by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Cyprus in two decades. During this historic visit, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides honored PM Modi with the country’s highest civilian award, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
Key Highlights of the Cyprus Visit
About the Award:
This honor is named after Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus.
Established in 1991, it is awarded for exceptional service to the nation.
Reserved for heads of state and distinguished individuals.
PM Modi has now received the highest civilian honors from 28 countries, a record for any Indian Prime Minister.
PM Modi’s Response:
After receiving the honor, PM Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion Indians, saying, “This honor is not just mine, it belongs to 1.4 billion Indians. It is a recognition of their capabilities and aspirations. It is an honor for our cultural brotherhood and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Bilateral Relations and Strategic Partnership
India-Cyprus Defense Cooperation
During this visit, significant progress was made in bilateral relations between the two countries. Key points:
Bilateral Defense Cooperation Program signed in January 2025.
Establishment of cyber and maritime security dialogues.
Real-time information-sharing mechanism for terrorism, drug, and arms trafficking.
Regional Security and the Turkey Factor
PM Modi and President Christodoulides discussed regional issues:
Support for Cyprus’ Territorial Integrity: India reiterated its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Cyprus.
Cyprus Issue: Both leaders emphasized the need for a UN-facilitated solution for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.
Strong Message to Turkey: PM Modi visited the Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus region, which is diplomatically significant in the context of Turkey’s relations with Pakistan.
PM Modi Departs for G7 Summit in Canada
After the Cyprus visit, PM Modi departed for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada on June 16-17, 2025. Key points:
PM Modi’s 6th consecutive participation in the G7 Summit.
First visit to Canada in a decade.
Invitation extended by Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Major Focus Areas of the G7 Summit
Energy security and technological innovation.
AI-energy nexus and quantum-related topics.
Strengthening peace and security.
International crime prevention.
Wildfire management.
Historical Context: Turkey-Cyprus Conflict
It is important for UPSC aspirants to understand the situation in Cyprus:
Background of the Conflict
1974 Turkish Invasion: After a Greek-backed coup, Turkey invaded Cyprus and occupied about 37% of the territory.
Division: The island is divided into two parts – the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the north.
International Recognition: Only Turkey recognizes the TRNC; the rest of the world considers it illegally occupied.
Present Status
UN Buffer Zone: The two parts are separated by the Green Line, maintained by the UN peacekeeping force.
EU Membership: Cyprus is a member of the European Union, making the northern part “illegally occupied EU territory.”
India’s Growing Global Stature
The international honors received by PM Modi reflect India’s rising global status:
Record Achievements
28 foreign highest civilian honors between 2016-2025.
Previous Prime Ministers: Nehru (2), Indira Gandhi (2), Manmohan Singh (2).
Honors from countries such as Russia, France, the USA, and nine Muslim nations.
Recent Honors (2025)
Cyprus: Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III.
Mauritius: Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.
Several other international honors.
Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation
Relevance for UPSC Prelims
International Relations: The Cyprus visit highlights India’s growing diplomatic role in the Mediterranean region.
Current Affairs: Recent bilateral agreements and defense cooperation are frequently asked in exams.
Geography: Location of Cyprus, the Mediterranean region, and its strategic importance.
Significance for UPSC Mains
GS Paper II: Bilateral relations, regional groupings, India’s foreign policy.
Defense Cooperation: Understanding India’s defense partnerships and strategic agreements.
Geopolitical Analysis: Turkey-Cyprus conflict, regional disputes, international law.
Key Points for Revision
Makarios III: First President of Cyprus, historical significance.
Order of Makarios III: Cyprus’ highest civilian honor, established in 1991.
G7 Summit: India’s consistent participation since 2019, voice of the Global South.
Turkey-Cyprus Relations: 1974 invasion, TRNC, UN resolutions, EU implications.
India-Cyprus Relations: First PM visit in 23 years, defense cooperation, Mediterranean strategy.
Exam Strategy Tips
Link this with India’s Act East Policy and the extension of the Neighborhood First approach.
Understand Cyprus’ strategic role in enhancing India-EU relations.
Analyze the diplomatic message to Turkey in the context of Pakistan relations.
Study defense cooperation agreements as part of India’s comprehensive security strategy.
This development showcases India’s active diplomacy and global influence, making it extremely important for both current affairs and international relations sections of your competitive exams.
Internal Links:
India-Cyprus Relations: Historical Background and Current Perspective
Recent Changes in India’s Foreign Policy
External References:
