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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a handmade Kashmiri silk carpet to President Nikos Christodoulides during his trip to Cyprus. The Indian leader is big on presenting goods that represent the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage whenever he is on foreign trips.
Cyprus has backed India in its fight against terrorism following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
“Cyprus expressed solidarity and unwavering support to India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. The two leaders strongly condemned the gruesome killing of civilians in the recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India,” a joint declaration said.
PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus might be a hint to neighbouring Turkey, which has shown support to Pakistan despite the country’s backing for terrorist organisations.
He visited the capital city of Nicosia, which also remains divided, and was photographed with the flag of the Turkish-controlled north in the background, a moment that could be seen as a subtle yet deliberate geopolitical message.
Cyprus remains a point of contention in the eastern Mediterranean as the island country has been divided since 1974, with Turkey controlling its northern part, which is recognised as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. India, however, like the rest of the international community, supports Cyprus’s sovereignty over the region.
PM Modi on Monday conveyed New Delhi’s unwavering and consistent support for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Cyprus, sending out a strong message to Ankara.
About the Kashmiri handmade carpet
Officials said the handmade silk carpet is a masterpiece of India’s cultural and artistic heritage, created by skilled artisans in the Kashmir valley using centuries-old hand-knotting techniques.
Made from pure mulberry silk and dyed with natural colours, these carpets feature intricate designs inspired by the region’s natural beauty – lakes, chinar trees and floral patterns.
Known for their high knot density and luminous finish, they are treasured as heirlooms and symbols of prestige, tradition, and craftsmanship, they said.
With inputs from agencies