KKN Gurugram Desk | In a rare show of bipartisan appreciation, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi has publicly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent visit to Cyprus, hailing the move as a long-overdue and firm stand in favor of Cypriot sovereignty and against Turkish expansionism.

The statement has drawn widespread attention across India’s political spectrum, particularly because Singhvi is not only a prominent voice in the opposition but also known for his sharp legal and geopolitical commentary.

🇮🇳 Modi’s Historic Visit to Cyprus: A Diplomatic Signal

PM Modi’s two-day visit to Cyprus on June 15-16, 2025, marked the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Mediterranean nation in over two decades. While the visit included trade talks and cultural exchange programs, the most symbolic and geopolitically significant moment came when Modi visited the ceasefire line in Nicosia, a physical and political boundary dividing the island since 1974.

Observers believe the move was a deliberate and well-timed signal to Turkey, which has consistently supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and has openly criticized India’s internal matters in international forums such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

 Singhvi’s Open Endorsement: “Enough is Enough”

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Abhishek Manu Singhvi wrote:

“PM Modi’s move to acknowledge Turkey’s illegal occupation in Cyprus is a welcome step. I’ve advocated this position for years. Though late, it’s still the right call. Enough is enough. Stand with Cyprus. Demand sovereignty. Oppose expansionism.”

Singhvi’s statement is being interpreted as more than just personal approval—it’s a rare occasion when a senior Congress leader aligns with a BJP-led foreign policy initiative, creating potential friction within the opposition’s narrative strategy.

The Turkey-Cyprus-India Triangle: Context Matters

To understand the significance of this event, it is important to recall the historical background. In 1974, Turkey invaded Northern Cyprus, citing the protection of Turkish Cypriots. Since then, it has maintained military control over the northern part of the island, recognizing it as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—a status that is not recognized by any other country in the world.

This occupation remains a sensitive and unresolved issue in global diplomacy, with most Western nations reluctant to directly confront Turkey due to strategic and defense alliances.

India, traditionally a non-interventionist power, has so far maintained a cautious stance on the matter. However, Modi’s symbolic gesture of standing at the ceasefire line signals a major diplomatic recalibration—one that openly favors Cyprus’s territorial integrity.

🇹🇷 A Message to Turkey, Loud and Clear

Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been vocal against India, particularly on Jammu & Kashmir, often aligning with Pakistan’s narrative in global forums. PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus—especially ahead of his participation in the G7 Summit—is being viewed by analysts as a strategic message to Erdoğan’s government.

By siding with Cyprus on such a sensitive geopolitical issue, India has mirrored Turkey’s approach—intervening diplomatically in a conflict far from its borders, just as Ankara has done regarding Kashmir.

 Singhvi’s Praise: A Headache for Congress?

Singhvi’s endorsement has not gone unnoticed within political circles. While some see it as a reflection of his personal foreign policy convictions, others view it as a potential challenge for Congress’s unified opposition narrative.

Historically, the Congress party has dismissed Modi’s foreign visits as “event management exercises”, often criticizing the cost and optics over substance. Singhvi’s positive remarks on the strategic value of the Cyprus visit may cause internal friction, particularly for leaders like Rahul Gandhi, who have frequently targeted the Prime Minister’s diplomatic priorities.

Singhvi is not just another Member of Parliament—he is a top legal advisor, spokesperson, and a key strategist within the Congress. His public deviation from the party line may spark debate within the leadership about how to approach foreign policy under Modi’s tenure, especially when it garners international or bipartisan praise.

Bipartisanship in Foreign Policy: A Welcome Shift?

Many political observers argue that foreign policy should transcend party lines, especially when national interests are at stake. In this context, Singhvi’s comment may set an example of constructive opposition—where government actions are evaluated on merit, not just political loyalty.

A senior political analyst told KKNLive, “This is a defining moment. Singhvi’s statement shows that India’s strategic posture on the global stage is maturing. Both the government and the opposition must move towards issue-based alignment on matters of national interest.”

 What This Means for India’s Global Diplomacy

PM Modi’s stand in Cyprus, supported even by opposition leaders, signals a confident and assertive Indian foreign policy—one that is no longer shy of taking clear sides when it aligns with democratic values and strategic interests.

With tensions escalating between Turkey and Greece, and Turkey’s deepening ties with China and Pakistan, India’s alignment with Cyprus (an EU member state) could open doors for stronger India-EU relations, defense cooperation, and a greater role in Mediterranean and West Asian geopolitics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cyprus visit is not just a diplomatic photo-op—it has triggered a rare moment of cross-party support, signaling a broader shift in how India engages with global territorial conflicts. With Abhishek Manu Singhvi openly applauding the move and calling for a stand against expansionism, Indian foreign policy might be entering a new era of principled assertiveness, even as domestic political lines continue to blur on issues of national interest.