Modi Reiterates 'Not an Era of War' Message During Historic Cyprus Visit
| 2025-06-17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides during a business roundtable
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges peace amid Israel-Iran conflict during landmark visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian leader in over 20 years.
During his official visit to Cyprus—the first by an Indian prime minister in more than two decades—Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed growing global concerns over armed conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Speaking alongside Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides at a joint press conference in Nicosia, Mr Modi underscored the need for diplomacy in addressing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
“We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions,” Prime Minister Modi stated. “We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity.”
The remarks come amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, with tensions between Israel and Iran intensifying. Indian authorities have not officially taken a side in the conflict but have consistently advocated for restraint and diplomatic engagement in the region.
The prime minister’s comments echo a position he previously articulated in international forums, including a similar appeal made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Modi's arrival in Cyprus marks the start of a broader three-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic and economic ties with European and Mediterranean partners. His visit to Cyprus also carries symbolic weight, being the first by an Indian head of government since 2002.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia and later engaged in delegation-level talks with President Christodoulides. Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, were also present at the meetings.
The discussions covered a range of bilateral issues, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, and digital cooperation. Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a "golden opportunity" to open a new chapter in India-Cyprus relations.
Adding a moment of diplomatic symbolism to the visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour awarded by Cyprus. The award, named after the country’s first president Archbishop Makarios III, recognises outstanding contributions to the nation’s international relations.
“Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations,” Mr Modi said following the ceremony.
Context:
India has historically maintained balanced diplomatic ties across the Middle East, engaging with both Israel and Iran while supporting regional stability. As the world’s most populous democracy and an emerging global power, India has increasingly used its diplomatic presence to promote conflict resolution through non-violent means.
Prime Minister Modi’s reiteration of his “not an era of war” doctrine is reflective of India’s broader foreign policy strategy, which advocates for multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development. His choice to highlight this position from Cyprus—a European Union member state and a bridge between East and West—further underlines India’s intention to play a stabilising role on the global stage.
Cyprus, a strategically located island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, has long-standing ties with India, dating back to the early years of both countries’ independence. Bilateral cooperation has historically included education, technology exchange, and support in international forums such as the United Nations.
“We both expressed concern over the conflicts going on in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not just limited to those regions,” Prime Minister Modi stated. “We both consider that this is not an era of war. Resolution through dialogue and restoration of stability is the call of humanity.”
The remarks come amid heightened conflict in the Middle East, with tensions between Israel and Iran intensifying. Indian authorities have not officially taken a side in the conflict but have consistently advocated for restraint and diplomatic engagement in the region.
The prime minister’s comments echo a position he previously articulated in international forums, including a similar appeal made during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Modi's arrival in Cyprus marks the start of a broader three-nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic and economic ties with European and Mediterranean partners. His visit to Cyprus also carries symbolic weight, being the first by an Indian head of government since 2002.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia and later engaged in delegation-level talks with President Christodoulides. Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, were also present at the meetings.
The discussions covered a range of bilateral issues, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, and digital cooperation. Prime Minister Modi described the visit as a "golden opportunity" to open a new chapter in India-Cyprus relations.
Adding a moment of diplomatic symbolism to the visit, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the highest civilian honour awarded by Cyprus. The award, named after the country’s first president Archbishop Makarios III, recognises outstanding contributions to the nation’s international relations.
“Humbled to receive the 'Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III' of Cyprus. I dedicate it to the friendship between our nations,” Mr Modi said following the ceremony.
Context:
India has historically maintained balanced diplomatic ties across the Middle East, engaging with both Israel and Iran while supporting regional stability. As the world’s most populous democracy and an emerging global power, India has increasingly used its diplomatic presence to promote conflict resolution through non-violent means.
Prime Minister Modi’s reiteration of his “not an era of war” doctrine is reflective of India’s broader foreign policy strategy, which advocates for multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development. His choice to highlight this position from Cyprus—a European Union member state and a bridge between East and West—further underlines India’s intention to play a stabilising role on the global stage.
Cyprus, a strategically located island nation in the Eastern Mediterranean, has long-standing ties with India, dating back to the early years of both countries’ independence. Bilateral cooperation has historically included education, technology exchange, and support in international forums such as the United Nations.
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