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Key Points

A council member in Cyprus welcomed PM Modi by touching his feet, a traditional Indian gesture of respect. Modi was awarded Cyprus' highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, during his visit. He dedicated the honor to India-Cyprus relations and the shared values of both nations. This marks the first visit by an Indian PM to Cyprus in over 20 years.

Key Points: Cyprus Council Member Touches PM Modi's Feet in Indian Tradition

  • Cyprus official honored PM Modi with Indian tradition
  • Modi awarded Grand Cross of Order of Makarios III
  • Visit strengthens India-Cyprus bilateral ties
  • First Indian PM visit in over two decades
3 min read

Council Member greets PM Modi in customary Indian way in Cyprus

A Nicosia council member honored PM Modi by touching his feet, showcasing cultural respect during his historic Cyprus visit.

"This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. - PM Narendra Modi"

Nicosia, June 16

In a novel gesture, the member of the Council of Nicosia touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet as a mark of respect during PM's visit to the mediterranean country.

The member of council of the country's capital city, Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, while welcoming PM Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia, touched PM's feet as mark of respect.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured her gesture and also placed a hand on her head. With folded hands, he smiled and appreciated her for being familiar with the Indian culture.

While in Cyprus, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III - the highest merit honour awarded in Cyprus, by President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.The Order of Makarios III, is named after Makarios III, the first president of Cyprus is conferred upon heads of state and other people of significant status in recognition of meritorious service to the nation.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides, the government and people of Cyprus for the honour. He stated that honour symbolises their unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of people of two nations.

"This honour is not just mine, it is the honour of 140 crore Indians. It is the honour of their capabilities and aspirations. It is the honour of our country's cultural brotherhood and the ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' I dedicate this honour to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus and our shared values and mutual understanding. On behalf of all Indians, I accept this honour with utmost humility and gratitude," he said.

"This honour symbolises our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of our people. I understand the significance of this honour and accept it as a responsibility towards the relations between India and Cyprus," he added. PM Modi had arrived in Cyprus on Sunday afternoon, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the island nation in over two decades. He was received by the Cypriot President at Larnaca International Airport.

Upon arrival in Cyprus, the official information page wrote in a post on X that the visit of PM Modi is "an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations between Cyprus and India."

https://x.com/CYpresidency/status/1934325106982916146

PM Modi also received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian diaspora in Limassol. PM Modi and Cyprus President also interacted with leading CEOs during the business roundtable.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Such a heartwarming gesture by the Cypriot leader! When foreign dignitaries embrace our traditions, it shows India's growing cultural influence globally. PM Modi's humility in accepting the honor makes every Indian proud 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While the foot-touching was a nice gesture, I hope such visits translate into concrete benefits for India-Cyprus relations. We need more trade agreements and job opportunities for Indians there. The honor is good, but what about actual outcomes?
A
Arjun S.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in action! This is why I love our culture - it teaches respect that transcends borders. The Cypriot leader's gesture and PM's response show diplomacy at its most human level. More such cultural exchanges please!
S
Sunita P.
First PM visit in 20 years! We should strengthen ties with smaller but strategically located nations like Cyprus. They could be important partners in Mediterranean trade routes. The diaspora welcome shows how Indians are making mark everywhere 🌍
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Vikram J.
The foot-touching moment is being overhyped. What matters is the Grand Cross honor - that's serious diplomatic recognition. Cyprus may be small but it's an EU member. This could open doors for Indian professionals in Europe.
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Neha R.
Beautiful cultural moment! But I wish media would focus equally on the business roundtable discussions. Those CEO meetings could bring real investments to India. Our soft power is strong, now let's build economic power too 💪

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