Cyprus – Cyprus President Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi During India Visit
Cyprus – Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi on Friday during his ongoing four-day state visit to India.
The visit underlines the growing partnership between India and Cyprus as both countries continue to expand cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment, and strategic affairs. President Christodoulides visited the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and offered floral tributes while reflecting on the global relevance of Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence.
Tribute at Rajghat Highlights Gandhi’s Global Influence
Images shared by the Ministry of External Affairs showed the Cypriot President paying respects at Rajghat in the national capital. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Gandhi’s principles continue to inspire people across the world and remain relevant in modern international relations.
The tribute formed an important part of the official engagements during the Cyprus President’s visit to India. Rajghat has traditionally been a significant stop for visiting world leaders, symbolising India’s commitment to peace, democracy, and non-violent values.
Bilateral Talks Held at Hyderabad House
Later in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Christodoulides held delegation-level discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors. Officials from both countries explored opportunities related to trade, maritime connectivity, technology, infrastructure, and economic partnerships.
The Indian government described the visit as an important continuation of diplomatic momentum created after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus in June 2025. That trip was considered historic because it marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean nation in more than two decades.
State Visit Includes Ceremonial Engagements
President Christodoulides arrived in New Delhi on Thursday after completing the Mumbai leg of his tour. The state visit began on May 20 and will continue until May 23 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi.
As part of the official schedule, Prime Minister Modi is set to host a luncheon in honour of the visiting leader. President Droupadi Murmu will also welcome the Cypriot President at Rashtrapati Bhavan and host a formal state banquet.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also expected to meet President Christodoulides during his stay in the Indian capital.
Business and Investment Discussions in Mumbai
Before arriving in New Delhi, the Cyprus President visited Mumbai, where he attended a business forum aimed at strengthening commercial and investment ties between the two nations. The event brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and business executives from both countries.
The Cypriot delegation includes Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades, senior government officials, and business representatives. Discussions in Mumbai mainly focused on expanding economic cooperation and encouraging investment opportunities between India and Cyprus.
President Christodoulides received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival in Mumbai earlier this week. Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were present at the airport to receive the visiting dignitary.
Growing Strategic Importance of India-Cyprus Relations
The current visit carries additional diplomatic significance because Cyprus presently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Officials believe the engagement could contribute to stronger India-European Union cooperation in the coming years.
India and Cyprus are also preparing to celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Government officials from both sides have described the ongoing state visit as a key opportunity to deepen political engagement, strengthen economic partnerships, and expand collaboration within the wider India-EU framework.
Both countries have consistently highlighted their long-standing friendship, shared democratic values, and strong people-to-people connections as the foundation of their growing partnership.