A seemingly ordinary, tree-lined street tucked away behind Lodhi Road in central Delhi, Archbishop Makarios Marg, has unexpectedly found itself in the limelight following Prime Minister Narendra modi recent conferment with the “Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III” – Cyprus’s highest civilian honour. This prestigious award, named after Makarios III, the first President of Cyprus and a towering figure in the nation’s independence movement, has cast a quiet glow on this quaint Delhi road, highlighting a fascinating historical and diplomatic connection between India and Cyprus.
The Archbishop Makarios Marg, originally known as Golf Links Road, was renamed in the 1980s. This renaming was part of a larger initiative in Delhi to honour international leaders who were aligned with India’s vision, particularly in the wake of the 1983 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit hosted in the city. Historians recall a period when numerous roads in the capital were rechristened in tribute to prominent figures like Fidel Castro, Josip Broz Tito, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Ho Chi Minh – all leaders who championed decolonisation and sovereignty, principles deeply rooted in India’s foreign policy during that era.
Archbishop Makarios III, who served as the Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus from 1950 to 1977 and subsequently became the country’s first President, is widely regarded as the founding father of the Republic of Cyprus. His leadership was instrumental in Cyprus’s transition from British colonial rule, a struggle that resonated deeply with India’s own post-independence journey. The connection between Makarios and India was particularly strong, with the Archbishop having visited India in 1962 as a guest of the Nehru government. Upon Pandit Nehru’s passing in 1964, Cyprus even declared a national day of mourning, further underscoring the profound respect and solidarity shared between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi, accepting the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, expressed profound gratitude to the President and the people of Cyprus, dedicating the award to the enduring friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that the honour was a recognition of India’s age-old philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), which guides its vision for global peace and progress. This award, the 23rd international honour received by Prime Minister Modi, is seen by many as a testament to India’s growing global stature and diplomatic assertiveness.
The sudden spotlight on Archbishop Makarios Marg serves as a poignant reminder of India’s rich diplomatic history and its commitment to forging strong ties with nations that share its values of independence, sovereignty, and multilateralism. The road itself, a quiet stretch amidst the bustling city, stands as a tangible symbol of a diplomatic era that fostered robust relationships and left an indelible mark on Delhi’s urban landscape. As India and Cyprus continue to deepen their cooperation in various sectors, including defense, maritime security, and trade, the historical threads woven through figures like Archbishop Makarios III and roads named in his honour continue to illuminate the path forward for a strong and multifaceted partnership.