Delhi Road Links to Cyprus: Prime Minister Modi's Visit Highlights This Connection
Giving a Fresh Look at Archbishop Makarios Marg
Strolling down the serene Archbishop Makarios Marg, a tucked-away road in Delhi's diplomatic zone, will unveil a hidden chapter of Indo-Cypriot history. This quiet road, lined with towering trees and government buildings, was named after the famed Archbishop Makarios III, Cyprus's first President, whose visits and deep admiration from Indian leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi mark the roots of this diplomatic alliance.
Interestingly, this is just one part of a larger diplomatic tradition, much like how Cyprus, in turn, honored India by naming a prominent street in Nicosia after Mahatma Gandhi, India's revered "Father of the Nation". This reciprocal gesture highlights the understanding that has long existed between the nations, particularly in the light of their shared membership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) - a grouping which sought to promote cooperation among developing countries and avoid alignment with either the Western or Communist blocs during the Cold War era.
Recently, the quiet road's profile received a boost, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus and the awarding of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus's highest civilian honor. This glowing recognition underscores the growing clout of India in global diplomacy and rekindles interest in the rich history nestled in the nooks and crannies of Central Delhi, such as Archbishop Makarios Marg.
This nearly overlooked stretch of asphalt, however, is steeped in symbolism. There are no flashy plaques or monuments explaining its significance, but beneath its unassuming appearance lies an intricate narrative woven through resistance, postcolonial identity, and international solidarity.
A staunch anti-colonial figure who played a key role in securing Cyprus's independence from British rule in 1960, Makarios III resonated with the struggles of decolonised countries, particularly India, as both faced challenges in defining their democratic identities following the shackles of colonialism. Hence, naming a Delhi street after him signified not just friendship but ideological kinship. The same period saw decolonised countries coming together in terms of policies, ideologies, architecture, and urban landscape.
Today, as the world grapples with political polarization and recurring identity crises, Archbishop Makarios Marg stands out as a beacon of shared histories, international friendships, and the sustained power of diplomacy. At a time when public memory is often shaped by contentious politics, it serves as a reminder to preserve and respect historical alliances and to foster unity amidst diversity in our urban spaces and beyond.In modern times, the road's legacy unfolds uniquely by evoking the spirit of the Indo-Cypriot camaraderie forged over decades and bridges, enduring the test of time and evolving geographies.
(With inputs from various sources)
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Politically, the quiet road named Archbishop Makarios Marg in Delhi's diplomatic zone symbolizes a rich history of Indo-Cypriot relations, stretching back to the visits of Archbishop Makarios III and admiration from Indian leaders like Nehru and Gandhi. Today, the road continues to reflect the ideological kinship and shared membership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) between these two nations, serving as a testament to the power of diplomacy and a reminder of the importance of preserving historical alliances.
In the realm of general-news, the road's profile received a significant boost with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus and the awarding of the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, underscoring India's growing clout in global politics and rekindling interest in the intricate narrative concealed within this city street.
