NAM FOUNDERS FORGING TECH FUTURE

India and Serbia, with shared histories and mutual respect, enjoy longstanding ties, tracing back to the era of Yugoslavia.

- IVONA LESKUR, MONOJIT DAS & SUDHANSHU KUMAR

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND EVOLUTION OF RELATIONS

Taking history into account, as co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), India and the former Yugoslavia upheld a vision for independent and non-aligned foreign policy amidst the Cold War's divisive politics. Serbia, following the dissolution of Yugoslavia, continued to build on this NAM legacy, fostering relations with India based on mutual sovereignty, territorial integrity, and cooperation on multiple fronts.

India's principled stance on Serbia's sovereignty and its non-recognition of Kosovo's independence solidify this commitment. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, both nations highlighted this relationship's enduring strength through symbolic gestures, such as a commemorative postal stamp issued by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which featured iconic national monuments from both countries. This milestone is a testament to the diplomatic maturity and sustained goodwill between the two nations, reflecting their commitment to continued collaboration and support on various international platforms.

DEEPENING ENGAGEMENTS

Recent years have witnessed high-level visits and an expansion of economic, scientific, cultural, and defence cooperation between India and Serbia. In June 2023, President Droupadi Murmu's state visit to Serbia marked a significant moment, being her first visit to Europe and the first such visit by an Indian head of state to Serbia. This visit underscored potential collaborations in diverse sectors, including defence technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.