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Three-nation tour opportunity to thank countries for support to India: PM

On his first foreign visit post-strikes, PM Modi seeks to deepen ties with Canada, Cyprus, and Croatia, and rally global support against cross-border terrorism

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for his visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, in New Delhi, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (PMO via PTI Photo)

Archis Mohan New Delhi

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In his first visit abroad since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi embarked on a three-nation tour on Sunday morning, which includes Canada (to attend the Group of Seven, or G7, summit), Cyprus, and Croatia.
 
The visit, scheduled to conclude on June 19, could see India and Canada “reset” their bilateral ties after years of friction over the activities of Khalistani extremists. The two sides are looking at greater intelligence sharing, among other issues.
 
The PM is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump and other leaders of G7 member countries. Modi had last met the US President in Washington in February, weeks after the inauguration of the Trump presidency.
 
 
 
As the PM indicated in his departure statement, the G7 summit is set to include discussions on the evolving situation in West Asia, especially the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Talks will also focus on “crucial global issues, including energy security, technology and innovation, particularly the artificial intelligence-energy nexus and quantum-related issues”, the government said. Economic disruptions caused by US tariffs could also be discussed during the parleys.
 
“This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the PM said.
 
The G7 summit, which he is attending at the invitation of Canadian PM Mark Carney, will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South, Modi said. It will be Modi’s first visit to Canada in 10 years. He is expected to land in Calgary on Monday after visiting Cyprus.  ALSO READ: PM Modi to visit Cyprus, attend G7 summit in Canada, hold talks in Croatia
 
“Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the European Union,” the PM said.
 
On Sunday, the PM is scheduled to hold talks with the President of Cyprus, address business leaders, and discuss plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Cyprus has a decades-old territorial dispute with neighbour Türkiye, and Modi’s visit to Nicosia is seen as a message to Ankara for its support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
 
The government said the PM’s visit to Cyprus will strengthen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at $136.96 million for April 2023–March 2024.
 
Cyprus is among the top 10 investors in India, with cumulative investments of $14.65 billion during April 2000–March 2025 (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade estimates).  ALSO READ: G7 leaders meet in Canada amid West Asia crisis, US tariff concerns
 
In the last leg of his tour, Modi will visit Croatia — the first by an Indian PM. India and Croatia have close cooperation in trade, investment, defence, and agriculture, among other sectors. Bilateral trade is about $300 million. Indian investments in Croatia stand at $48 million, while Croatian investments in India are roughly $6 million.
 
The PM’s attendance at the G7 summit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the grouping. While India is not a G7 member, this will be its 12th participation and Modi’s sixth appearance in a G7 outreach session. The issues likely to be discussed include countering foreign interference and transnational crime, building energy security and accelerating the digital transition, fortifying critical mineral supply chains, and using artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to unleash economic growth.
 

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First Published: Jun 15 2025 | 2:53 PM IST

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