NEW DELHI: Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, a member of the council of Nicosia, touched Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s feet as a mark of respect. Mhlapa was welcoming Prime Minister Modi at the historic Centre of Nicosia.The historic Centre of Nicosia is the old walled part of Cyprus’s capital, renowned for its Venetian fortifications, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets. It stands as a living reminder of the city’s diverse cultural heritage, positioned along the Green Line that divides the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sectors.In 2023, in an exemplary gesture of respect, Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape touched the feet of PM Narendra Modi, who visited the island nation.As he alighted from the aircraft, PM Modi was greeted by Marape, who then bent down to touch his feet. Papua New Guinea has a tradition of not welcoming anyone post sunset but PM Modi was given a gun salute, a red carpet welcome and was personally welcomed by Marape.Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus, the first by an Indian leader in 23 years, is being seen in Nicosia as a strong diplomatic message to Turkey, which has occupied nearly one-third of the island since 1974 and recently supported Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. PM Modi’s trip, his first international visit since the military action against Pakistan, carries added significance in this backdrop. He is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of President Nicos Christodoulides and is accompanied by a high-level delegation of about 100 officials. Cyprus is the first stop in Modi’s three-nation tour, which will also take him to Canada for the G-7 Summit and to Croatia, marking the first-ever visit there by an Indian Prime Minister.The Cyprus leg of the tour holds strategic, diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical importance, underlining the island nation’s growing relevance in India’s wider regional and global strategy.