Annita Demetriou Lauds PM Modi as ‘Spiritual Leader’, Pushes for Deeper India–EU Ties

Annita Demetriou, the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus — and the country’s first woman and youngest-ever Speaker — is on a high-level visit to India.

Where she met President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Demetriou, who has garnered a significant following on social media, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, calling him a “spiritual leader” whose policies have strengthened India’s global profile.

Her visit aims to deepen the long-standing relationship between India and Cyprus, with a focus on expanding ties beyond traditional areas. A major point of discussion was PM Modi’s “historic” stop at the Green Line during his June visit to Cyprus. The Green Line is the UN-controlled buffer zone separating the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish-occupied north since the 1974 invasion. Demetriou said Modi’s gesture underscored India’s principled support for Cyprus’s sovereignty and its call for reunification.

Both countries reiterated their commitment to the Joint Action Plan (2025–2029), which seeks to leverage Cyprus’s access to the European Union and India’s rising strategic influence to build a stronger India-EU bridge.

Edited Excerpts

How are you liking India?
Demetriou said she and her delegation were deeply impressed by India’s hospitality, calling the timing of the visit ideal for elevating the bilateral relationship. She noted that Cyprus and India share a long-standing friendship and that it is now time to “upscale and improve” ties.

On PM Modi’s visit to the Green Line
Demetriou described Modi’s visit to the Green Line as historic. She said the Prime Minister witnessed firsthand the consequences of the Turkish occupation and the ongoing violations of human rights and international law. She added that Cyprus continues to push for a lasting solution that ensures peace and stability — not just in their region but globally, referencing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. As an EU member state, Cyprus is committed to strengthening strategic engagement between Europe and India.

Areas of cooperation with India
Speaking about her meeting with EAM Jaishankar and her upcoming interaction with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Demetriou highlighted several sectors where the two democracies can collaborate more closely: connectivity, trade, shipping, safety, and education. She noted that the existing Joint Action Plan provides the framework, but “the sky is the limit” for further cooperation.

On PM Modi’s leadership
Demetriou called PM Modi a “spiritual leader” whose decade-long tenure has guided India’s progress. She said India’s global standing has improved significantly under his leadership and praised his focus on diplomacy, development, and shaping a more prosperous future for the Indian people.

Experiencing India’s culture
Demetriou said she made time to explore India’s cultural heritage, including visits to the Taj Mahal and other monuments. She praised India’s rich history and vibrant cuisine, remarking that Indians have every reason to feel proud of their cultural legacy.