India PM Narendra Modi blesses young Cyprus lawmaker who touched his feet in tribute — video goes viral

During a significant diplomatic visit to Cyprus, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with an extraordinary gesture of reverence by a local lawmaker.

Michaela Kythreoti Mhlapa, a member of the Nicosia Municipal Council, touched PM Modi’s feet as a traditional mark of respect while welcoming him.

The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media and sparked a wave of reactions highlighting the cultural symbolism behind the gesture.

In the footage, PM Modi is seen humbly folding his hands in return and offering blessings to the young lawmaker. Notably, Modi has previously discouraged women from touching his feet in public events, making the moment even more poignant.

BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan posted the video on X, stating: “First Papua New Guinea, now Cyprus — such gestures reflect the admiration and deep respect global leaders have for India’s civilizational values and cultural legacy.”

In a further highlight of the trip, Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides awarded PM Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the nation’s highest civilian honour. The award, named after Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus’ first president, is reserved for heads of state and individuals with distinguished service to the country.

The honour marks the 23rd international award PM Modi has received from a foreign government — an unprecedented record for any Indian Prime Minister. Analysts described the recognition as yet another sign of Modi's growing influence as a global statesman.

Responding to the honour, Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President, the government, and the people of Cyprus. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to the 1.0 billion Indians. It represents their capabilities, aspirations, and our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and mutual respect,” he said.

He further emphasised that the award reflects the enduring ties and shared values between India and Cyprus.

PM Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in more than two decades. He arrived in Larnaca on Sunday and was welcomed at the airport by President Christodoulides.

Beyond official meetings, PM Modi also received a warm reception from the Indian diaspora in Limassol, underlining the vibrant people-to-people connection between the two nations.

The visit has reinforced India-Cyprus relations across diplomatic, cultural, and strategic dimensions — setting the tone for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.