PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegationlevel talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss a range of issues to boost the bilateral tiesPM Modi is currently visiting Cyprus the first leg of his threenation tourThis is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over two decadesHe was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at the Presidential Palace ahead of the talks reported the PTILater PM Modi held delegationlevel talks with ChristodoulidesExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were present during the talksPM Modi arrived in Cyprus on SundayThis visit will add significant momentum to IndiaCyprus relations especially in areas like trade investment and more PM Modi had posted on X after landing in CyprusMeanwhile PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III the highest honour in Cyprus by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia on MondayThe Order of Makarios III the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus is named after Makarios III the first president of the Republic of Cyprus It is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nationPM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides the government and people of Cyprus for the honourPresident for the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III I express heartfelt gratitude to you the Government of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus This honour is not just mine it is the honour of 140 crore Indians It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations It is the honour of our countrys cultural brotherhood and the ideology of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding On behalf of all Indians I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude PM Modi said according to the ANIHe further said This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace security sovereignty territorial integrity and prosperity of our people I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and CyprusHe expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will touch new heightsIn a post on X Ministry of External Affairs MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated An award dedicated to the trusted IndiaCyprus friendship amp 14 billion people of India President Christodulides conferred PM narendramodi with the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III of Cyprus The honour reflects the enduring India Cyprus bilateral partnership and shared commitment to work together for the common vision for peace progress and prosperitywith PTI and ANI inputs