Kiren Rijiju Meets Serbia President Vucic, Reaffirms Strong India-Serbia Partnership

India and Serbia reaffirmed their longstanding friendship and growing partnership as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Tuesday.

Rijiju held the meeting on the sidelines of the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) at the Palace of Serbia, where he also addressed the gathering. The interaction underscored the close diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Belgrade and their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.

Describing his meeting with Vucic as “warm and meaningful”, Rijiju said the relationship between the two countries was built on mutual respect and shared interests. His visit comes at a significant moment for the Non-Aligned Movement, whose origins are closely linked to both India and Serbia.

In his address at the anniversary event, Rijiju highlighted India’s founding role in NAM and stressed that the principles on which the movement was established remain relevant in today's rapidly changing global environment.

He reiterated India's commitment to peace, national sovereignty, dialogue and international cooperation, saying these principles continue to provide an important framework for addressing global challenges.

India was among the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to provide developing countries with an independent voice in global affairs during the Cold War. Its first summit was held in Belgrade in 1961, giving Serbia a historic connection with the movement.

The anniversary gathering therefore provided an opportunity for India to renew its engagement with a platform rooted in its diplomatic history while also highlighting its evolving partnerships.

Rijiju's meeting with Vucic further reflected the continued importance India attaches to its relationship with Serbia, as both countries seek to build on their longstanding political friendship and expand cooperation based on common interests.