Why in NEWS
India’s Prime Minister visited Cyprus — the first by an Indian PM in 23 years — to deepen ties in energy security, counterterrorism cooperation, and India–EU strategic alignment.
Key Terms/Concepts
| Term | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Bilateral Relations | Diplomatic ties and cooperation between two countries |
| Energy Security | Ensuring a reliable and affordable supply of energy for a country |
| Counterterrorism Cooperation | Working together to prevent and respond to terrorist threats |
| Green Line (Cyprus) | A UN-patrolled buffer zone separating the Turkish-controlled north and Greek south |
| Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) | A group of countries not formally aligned with any major power bloc during the Cold War |
| NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) | A group of nuclear supplier countries that control the export of nuclear materials |
News Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Significance of Visit | First Indian PM visit in 23 years; signals renewed strategic interest in Cyprus |
| Focus Areas | Energy security, joint action against terrorism, digital cooperation, and EU alignment |
| Cyprus’s Support to India | Backs India’s bid for UNSC permanent seat, NSG membership, and supports on Kashmir |
| India’s Cyprus Policy | Supports a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation for resolving Cyprus issue (UNSC line) |
| Strategic Angle | Balancing Turkey–Pakistan ties through closer cooperation with Cyprus |
Visual Learning
Cyprus Issue Overview – Flowchart
plaintextCopyEdit British Rule (Until 1960)
↓
Cyprus Gains Independence
↓
1974: Turkish Invasion → Division of Island
↙ ↘
Republic of Cyprus (South) Turkish Cyprus (North)
[EU Member, UN-recognized] [Recognized only by Turkey]
↓
UN Green Line Patrol Zone
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic to Remember Cyprus Key Points — “CYP-RUS”
- C: Counterterrorism cooperation with India
- Y: Years gap of 23 since last Indian PM visit
- P: Partitioned nation (North-Turkish, South-Greek)
- R: Republic of Cyprus supports India globally
- U: UN-patrolled Green Line
- S: Strategic balance against Turkey-Pakistan ties
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following statements about Cyprus is/are correct?
- Cyprus is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Cyprus is a member of the European Union.
- The Green Line in Cyprus is patrolled by the United Nations.
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3 - With reference to India’s relations with Cyprus, consider the following:
- Cyprus supports India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC.
- Cyprus is a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2 - Which of the following countries border Cyprus?
a) Greece and Turkey
b) Syria and Lebanon
c) Only Turkey
d) None of the above
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the strategic importance of India–Cyprus relations in the backdrop of changing geopolitics in the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Examine how Cyprus’s support to India on multilateral platforms complements India’s foreign policy goals.
Answers Table
| Q. No. | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b) 2 and 3 only | Cyprus is the 3rd largest island (not largest); EU member and Green Line by UN |
| 2 | a) 1 only | Cyprus supports India at UNSC; not an NSG member |
| 3 | d) None of the above | Cyprus is an island nation, no land borders |
