By Priya Verma, Senior Diplomatic Correspondent
Updated: June 17, 2025 • Read Time: 4 min
Key Quote
“This tour will strengthen India’s strategic partnerships across Europe and North America,”
— Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal (departure statement)
1. Itinerary at a Glance
- June 15–16: Cyprus
- Official welcome by President Nikos Christodoulides at Larnaca International Airport timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III bestowed on PM Modi timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Delegation‑level talks on defence, cybersecurity, and IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Corridor) apnews.com
- June 16–17: Canada
- Participation in G7 Summit at Kananaskis, invited by PM Mark Carney timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Outreach session with Global South leaders
- Engagement with Indian diaspora in Toronto
- June 18: Croatia
- Meetings with President Zoran Milanović and PM Andrej Plenković
- Focus on technology transfer, trade facilitation, and cultural ties indianexpress.com
2. Five Key Takeaways
- Historic Cyprus Stop
- First Indian PM visit in 20+ years; emphasises India‑EU strategic link timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Defence & Cybersecurity Push
- Joint maritime exercises, information‑sharing on terrorism; elevates Cyprus as EU gateway for IMEC apnews.com
- Trade Deal Momentum
- India expects an EU‑India free trade agreement by year‑end, with Cyprus’s backing reuters.com
- G7 Summit Spotlight
- Modi’s outreach to Global South crucial amid shifting geopolitical balances; Canada visit highlights NRI contributions timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Croatia Collaboration
- First-ever PM‑level engagement since Croatia’s 1991 formation; targets sectors like renewable energy and IT indianexpress.com
3. Expert Analysis
Dr. Amrita Basu, Professor of International Relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
“PM Modi’s itinerary reflects India’s pivot to diversify its strategic partnerships beyond traditional allies. The Cyprus leg underscores the importance of smaller EU states in shaping broader India‑EU ties, especially on corridors like IMEC. In Canada, his G7 outreach will balance Western priorities with Global South concerns.”
Dr. Basu’s profile
4. Fact‑Check
| Claim | Source |
|---|---|
| Modi received Cyprus’ highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of Makarios III | Official statement & ceremony coverage timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Plans for defence, maritime, and cybersecurity cooperation with Cyprus | Joint declaration & press release from MEA apnews.com |
| India expects EU‑India free trade agreement by end‑2025 | Comments by PM Modi during Cyprus visit reuters.com |
| PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in Kananaskis upon Canadian invitation | G7 Summit itinerary on G7 website and MEA release timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Croatia visit scheduled for June 18 with President Milanović and PM Plenković | MEA notification dated June 14, 2025 indianexpress.com |
5. Daily Digest
- June 18: Croatia engagements, renewable energy MoU
- June 19: Return to India, post‑tour press briefing
- Upcoming: Expert webinar on “IMEC and India‑EU Connectivity”
