Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday for a two-day visit aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and exploring the island’s potential role in a proposed trade corridor linking India to Europe. The stopover comes ahead of Modi’s participation in the G7 summit in Canada.
Modi and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides addressed business leaders on Sunday, with formal talks to follow on Monday. Discussions are expected to focus on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), a proposed sea and rail trade link, which gains significance amid rising instability in the Middle East.
“One of the objectives of our discussions is the connection of India with Europe through the region of the wider Middle East, and its entry into Europe through the Republic of Cyprus,” Christodoulides told reporters.
The visit is part of India’s broader diplomatic outreach to European nations. Cyprus, a fellow member of the Commonwealth, is set to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union in early 2026.
Modi's arrival in Canada for the G7 summit coincides with mounting global tensions, including a dangerous escalation in the Middle East following Israel’s deadly strike on Iranian nuclear sites. With both countries trading attacks in recent days, the conflict is expected to dominate the G7 agenda.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the Israel-Iran standoff as the “centrepiece” of this year’s summit, stressing the need for de-escalation in the interest of global stability.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing his first major diplomatic test. He is expected to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday for a one-on-one session prior to the official start of the summit. Trade will be high on the agenda, with Canada pushing for an agreement to end US tariffs on steel, aluminium and automobiles. Sources indicate progress has been made, with a draft trade and security document exchanged between Ottawa and Washington.
The G7 summit, set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, is being held across the communities of Kananaskis, Banff and Calgary. Leaders from India, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, the UAE, Ukraine, Mexico and Australia have been invited, along with representatives from the UN, NATO, the EU and the World Bank.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the G7, which includes the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada, alongside the European Union. However, internal divisions — especially on trade and foreign policy — continue to challenge the group's ability to reach consensus.