Prime Minister visits three countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left on a three-nation visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia. The Prime Minister’s three-nation visit began with Cyprus, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the island nation in over two decades. The visit held significance as Cyprus had been a consistent supporter of India’s positions on Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and reforms in the United Nations Security Council.

From Cyprus, the Prime Minister travelled to Canada attended the G7 Summit. At the Summit, he exchanged views on key global issues and held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines. The final leg of the tour he visited Croatia, marking the first high-level visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. Croatia is being seen as a potential partner in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and the visit represented a major milestone in India-Croatia relations.

In the first leg Modi met the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Two leaders held wide-ranging discussions covering trade and investment, education, maritime cooperation, digital connectivity, and regional security.

Indian High Commissioner to Cyprus, Manish, said that Prime Minister Modi’s visit will add a new dimension and renewed strength to the bilateral relationship. He noted that India and Cyprus have historically been connected through trade and maritime routes, and described the visit as result-oriented and robust one that will significantly advance ties.

The High Commissioner added that Cyprus has a national vision for 2035, while India has vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He said there is strong synergy between the two countries and expressed confidence that the two leaders will outline a roadmap to intensify and diversify cooperation.

He further expressed hope that new opportunities will emerge in trade, investment and technology partnerships. He also highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural relations, stating that the outcomes of the visit will encompass all key aspects of bilateral engagement.

Following his visit to Cyprus, the Prime Minister travelled to Canada to attend the G7 Summit, in Kananaskis, from June 16 to June 17. This was Modi’s sixth consecutive participation in the G7. He engaged with G7 leaders, invited partner nations, and heads of international organisations on pressing global issues, including energy security, emerging technologies, and the AI-energy nexus, with a focus on quantum technologies.

Udhav and Raj joining hands is difficult

Although by and large the people from Maharashtra hope that bitterness between both the brothers should end soon, going by Raj Thackeray\s closeness with the BJP and his ambition to garner a sizable number of seats in the ensuing BMC election, has been posing a hurdle.

Even though Uddhav Thackeray has said that he was open to talks and has said that “What is in Maharashtra’s heart will happen”, he also has a pre-condition that Raj should not adopt  manoeuvres like having a tacit understanding with the BJP he recently Raj had a secret meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Besides Mahayuti leaders including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Uday Samant visiting Raj’s residence “Shiv Tirth” in Dadar quite frequently.  

The BMC polls likely to be held in October and Uddhav Thackeray has already steered his workers and has directed them to began preparations for BMC polls.

MNS leader Amit Thackeray has asserted that if anything concrete is to happen, Uddhav and Raj Thackeray must speak directly.

“Two brothers should speak. We (others) talking on this issue will not make any difference. I don’t have any issue with the two brothers coming together, but I have seen this in 2014 and 2017,” Amit said, referring to previous, unsuccessful alliance efforts between MNS and the then-undivided Shiv Sena.

He also recalled Raj Thackeray’s gesture of support to Uddhav during the COVID-19 pandemic when the latter was serving as Maharashtra’s Chief Minister. “If he (Uddhav) wishes, he can make a call. Alliances do not happen while talking in the media. They have each other’s mobile numbers, they can talk to each other,” he said.

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray parted ways nearly two decades ago, but recent statements from both sides have suggested that a thaw may be underway. While Raj has said that coming together for the sake of the “Marathi manoos” is not difficult, Uddhav has expressed readiness to overlook “trivial fights” — provided no one working against Maharashtra’s interests is welcomed.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also hinted at a broader coalition, stating recently, “If anyone wants to come together to protect the interest of Maharashtra, then we will also take them along.”