Indian PM Narendra Modi and the president of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides also announced plans for joint naval operations, a terrorism information-sharing mechanism and support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

The BJP on Monday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Cyprus' highest civilian honour as a "proud moment for India" and said no other PM in the country's history has ever commanded such a "decisive influence" on the global stage as him.

Amid Turkey's continued diplomatic and military support to Pakistan, Modi's engagement in Cyprus carries enhanced significance. India's alignment with Cyprus — a nation with longstanding disputes with Turkey — represents a calculated diplomatic initiative to bolster strategic relationships that subtly counter Turkey's regional influence.