Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-nation tour to Cyprus, Canada (for the G-7 Summit), and Croatia, in June 2025, has been widely regarded as a diplomatic triumph, reinforcing India’s growing stature on the global stage. This tour, his first foreign visit following Operation Sindoor, was strategically designed to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance India’s role in global governance and project its civilisational and economic influence. The success of PM Modi’s said tour can be attributed to several strategic, diplomatic and symbolic achievements, each tailored to the unique context of the visited nations and the G-7 Summit. The tour was marked by a blend of bilateral engagements, multilateral discussions and soft power projection, aligning with India’s broader foreign policy objectives.

Modi’s visit to Cyprus, for instance, was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over two decades. This alone marks a significant milestone in India-Cyprus relations. During the visit, Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus’s highest civilian honor, by President Nikos Christodoulides, symbolizing mutual respect and deepening ties. Cyprus’s location in the Mediterranean makes it a critical node for India’s India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Modi’s discussions with Christodoulides focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, security and technology, reinforcing India’s commitment to both the Mediterranean region and the European Union. The visit was also a subtle diplomatic signal to Turkey, which has occupied Northern Cyprus since 1974 and supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

By strengthening ties with Cyprus, India underscored its stance against territorial disputes and cross-border tensions, aligning with its anti-terrorism agenda. Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Limassol, highlighting their role in fostering cultural and economic ties. He also gifted a silver-coated purse crafted by Andhra Pradesh artisans to Cyprus’s First Lady, showcasing India’s civilisational richness. The visit reaffirmed India’s strategic pivot toward the Mediterranean, secured Cyprus’s support for India’s global initiatives and laid the groundwork for deeper economic collaboration, making it a diplomatic success.

Resetting ties with Canada and amplifying Global South’s voice at the G-7 Summit, marked PM Modi’s attendance at the 51st G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, also making this his sixth consecutive participation, underscoring India’s growing influence in global governance. As one of the five special invitees, Modi championed the priorities of the Global South, focusing on inclusive tech frameworks, equitable climate financing and energy security. On the sidelines, Modi held productive talks with leaders........

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