Article Title: India will continue efforts to strengthen ties with cyprus - PM
15-06-2025
International Relations Current Affairs Analysis
Context
• PM Modi was awarded Cyprus’s highest honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Macarios III.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, and sent an indirect message to Turkiye while renewing India’s support for the unity of Cyprus and “peaceful resolution” of the “Cyprus question”.
Cyprus issue
• Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960 with a constitution aiming for peace between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority.
• Inter-communal tensions escalated in 1963, leading to violence and the division of the capital, Nicosia, along the "Green Line."
• A 1974 Turkish invasion further divided the island, with the northern part declaring independence as Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey).
• The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was established in 1964 to maintain peace and has been present ever since, with the UK as a key contributor.
• Peacekeepers patrol the buffer zone, a 180km strip separating the two sides, and monitor for unauthorized activity.
"UPSC-2026-PRELIMS COMBINED MAINS PROGRAMME" NEW BATCH STARTS WITH ORIENTATION ON JULY 7th,2025 
