New Delhi, June 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today departed for a three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, marking a significant diplomatic outreach aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and voicing the concerns of the Global South on the world stage. In a statement issued ahead of his departure, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, I will embark on a three-nation tour to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada and Croatia.”
The first stop of the tour is Cyprus, where PM Modi will be on an official visit on June 15–16. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean island nation in 23 years. Describing Cyprus as a “close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU,” the Prime Minister said the visit would offer an opportunity to “build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”
Following his engagements in Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. India is participating as a partner country in the summit. “The Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South,” PM Modi said, adding, “I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries.”
In the final leg of the visit, the Prime Minister will travel to Croatia on June 18 for what will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Eastern European nation. During his stay, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. “Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links,” he said. “As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
Framing the larger purpose of the visit, PM Modi added, “This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
