NEW DELHI: As tensions rise across West Asia with Israel and Iran on the verge of open conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasized the urgent need for peace and dialogue, stating that “this is not the era of war.” Speaking in Nicosia alongside Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Modi underscored India's firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus—an eastern Mediterranean nation whose northern region is occupied by Turkish forces and remains unrecognized by Turkiye, a close ally of Pakistan. Modi's visit to Cyprus—the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years—focused on strengthening bilateral ties in defence, security, and connectivity, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). During their talks, both leaders expressed shared concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe, emphasizing their global implications. “We both have expressed concern about the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. Their negative impact is not limited to that region alone. We both believe that this is not the era of war,” Modi said during the joint press conference. Highlighting cooperation on security matters, Modi thanked Cyprus for its consistent support in India’s battle against cross-border terrorism. He also announced the establishment of a new mechanism for real-time information sharing between the two countries to counter terrorism, arms trafficking, and drug smuggling. Cyprus President Christodoulides reaffirmed his country’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reiterated Cyprus’s support for India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, Modi visited the Green Line—the UN-controlled buffer zone that divides the Republic of Cyprus from Northern Cyprus, which has been under Turkish occupation since 1974. His visit alongside President Christodoulides was seen as a powerful signal, especially in light of Turkiye’s continued military and diplomatic support for Pakistan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has openly pledged to stand by Pakistan in both “good times and bad.” India also reiterated its long-standing support for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions and international law. Many of these resolutions call for the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the island and the reunification of Cyprus. A joint statement released after the talks read, “India reiterated its unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. Both sides stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions to create a conducive environment for resuming meaningful negotiations.” Looking ahead, Modi announced that both countries will formulate a roadmap to guide their partnership over the next five years, giving it strategic depth and direction. On counterterrorism, both nations reiterated their zero-tolerance stance, unequivocally rejecting any justification for terrorism under any circumstances. “They emphasised that those responsible for such attacks should be held accountable,” the statement said, referencing the Pahalgam incident once again. The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper India-Cyprus cooperation while sending a clear message about India’s stance on sovereignty, regional stability, and international law.