PM Modi begins three-nation trip, aims to rally G7 on terrorism, global security

PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a five-day visit to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia starting today, marking his first overseas trip since Operation Sindoor.

The tour also includes historic milestones, including the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades and the first-ever visit to Croatia.

"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 galvanize global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," PM Modi said.

Modi will begin his trip in Cyprus, where he will hold bilateral talks with President Nikos Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol. The visit aims to deepen India’s engagement with the Mediterranean region and the European Union.

“On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President H.E. Nikos Christodoulides,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. “Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges.”

Following Cyprus, Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. “The Summit will provide space for the exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South. I also look forward to engaging with leaders from partner countries,” the statement noted.

The final leg of the trip will take Modi to Croatia on June 18, where he will meet with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. “Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Modi said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit as an opportunity to express India’s appreciation for the support of these partner countries in countering cross-border terrorism and to rally international cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms.

A significant moment during the tour will be Modi’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit—his first bilateral engagement with a Canadian leader in nearly a decade.

The MEA sees this as a chance to reset India-Canada relations on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

Bilateral ties between the two countries were severely strained after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the claim as “absurd” and accused Canada of sheltering radical elements that threatened Indian diplomats.

The Modi-Carney meeting is expected to be a key step in efforts to normalise diplomatic engagement after more than a year of tension, which saw the expulsion of senior diplomats and a downgrading of ties.