New Delhi/Belgrade, June 7 (Representative) President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a state visit to Serbia, said that India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests. Addressing the Indian Community and Friends of India at a community reception in Belgrade, she said: “I bring with me warm greetings of the Government and people of India. I am delighted to be in beautiful and historic Serbia, and the charming city of Belgrade.” “India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, India’s relations with Serbia were particularly defined in context of the Non-Aligned Movement. The busts of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore in Belgrade, and the Josip Broz Tito Street in New Delhi, and the Tito roundabout in Jodhpur stand testimony to that historical connection.” “I am told Indian movies have been popular in Serbia, and Serbia has emerged as a new film destination for Indian filmmakers.
Many Serbians also have a deep affinity for India’s spiritual heritage, including Yoga. I am also told that Ayurveda is recognized here as a system for cure and treatment.” “On the global stage, India is recognised as a responsible development partner, a First Responder, and a voice of the Global South. Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power.” President Murmu reached Belgrade today in the final leg of her State Visit to Suriname and Serbia. This is the first visit by an Indian President to Serbia.In a special gesture, she was received by President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia and accorded a guard of honour at the Nikola Tesla Airport, Belgrade. From the Airport, the President travelled to Gandijeva Street and paid respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the evening, the President interacted with the Indian Community and Friends of India at a Community Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Serbia, Sanjiv Kohli in Belgrade. Addressing the gathering, the President said that India and Serbia are ancient lands. In the modern era, India’s relations with Serbia were particularly defined in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement.
India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests, she said, adding that based on this bilateral foundation, she would look forward to interacting with the Serbian leadership during the visit. The President said that Serbia has been a valuable partner in India’s sustainable development cooperation programmes. On the global stage, she pointed out that India is recognized as a responsible development partner, a First Responder, and a voice of the Global South. Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power, she said, and also referred to the leading role played by India on the issues related to climate action, counter-terrorism, connectivity, maritime security, financial inclusion and food security, a statement said. The President appreciated the Serbian Friends of India for their admiration and love for India. She said that their role in strengthening the friendship and understanding between India and Serbia is invaluable.