Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia from June 15 to 19. This diplomatic outreach marks his first foreign visit since Operation Sindoor, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union, while also participating in the G7 Summit.

Modi’s Diplomatic Odyssey: Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming five-day tour, from June 15 to 19, will see him visit Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. This marks his first international travel following Operation Sindoor, a period that saw the cancellation of a previously planned European tour. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the itinerary, highlighting the strategic importance of each stop.

First Stop: Cyprus

Modi’s tour will commence in Cyprus on June 15-16, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over two decades. Invited by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi will engage in talks in Nicosia and address business leaders in Limassol. This visit aims to:

  • Deepen bilateral ties between India and Cyprus.
  • Strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.
  • Reaffirm shared commitments, especially as Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026.

Cyprus has historically been a strong supporter of India, backing its candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and its stance on the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The visit also holds significance in the context of India’s efforts to forge alliances against Turkey’s aggressive policies, given Turkey’s rivalry with Cyprus and Greece.

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G7 Summit in Canada

Following his visit to Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, on June 16-17, to participate in the G7 Summit. This will be his sixth consecutive attendance at the prestigious gathering. Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi will:

  • Exchange views with G7 leaders and heads of international organizations on critical global issues.
  • Discuss topics such as energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the AI-energy nexus, and Quantum-related issues.
  • Hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit, including a crucial meeting with Canadian PM Carney to explore ways to reset strained diplomatic ties.

Historic Visit to Croatia

The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Croatia on June 18, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Balkan nation. At the invitation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Modi will:

  • Hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Plenkovic.
  • Meet Croatian President Zoran Milanovic.
  • Underscore India’s commitment to further strengthening its engagement with partners in the European Union.

This historic visit reflects India’s strategic shift towards broadening partnerships across the EU spectrum, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe. Croatia, a former part of Yugoslavia, has historical ties with India through the Non-Aligned Movement, and this visit aims to build on that foundation, exploring opportunities in trade and other sectors.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Recalibration: The tour signifies India’s deliberate shift towards engaging with smaller, strategically placed EU member states to broaden its diplomatic framework in Europe.
  • Deepening EU Engagement: Visits to Cyprus and Croatia aim to strengthen India’s footprint in the European periphery and enhance its overall engagement with the EU.
  • Addressing Geopolitical Challenges: The tour provides opportunities to discuss global issues, including energy security and regional conflicts, and to reset diplomatic relations with key partners like Canada.
  • Economic Opportunities: Discussions in Cyprus will focus on shipping partnerships, financial services, and digital innovation, while the Croatia visit seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment.
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Sources

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Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet
Emre Emehet is a 45-year-old journalist from the Balkans, best known for his dedication to telling stories that reflect the everyday lives of people in his region. Growing up in a small town in northern Bosnia, Emre always had an interest in local history and storytelling, which drew him to pursue a degree in journalism and communications at the University of Sarajevo. He wasn’t the top of his class, but his professors admired his practical approach and natural curiosity, qualities that would later define his career.

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