President Droupadi Murmu engaged in bilateral discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić
President Droupadi Murmu engaged in bilateral discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, exploring potential collaboration in various sectors such as defense and military technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, and film production, among others.
President Murmu’s visit to Serbia from June 7-9, upon the invitation of President Vučić, marked her first visit to Europe and the first-ever visit by a Head of State from either country.
Accompanying President Murmu were Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State for Rural Development, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Rama Devi, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, along with an official delegation.
Upon arrival, President Murmu paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi’s bust in Belgrade and interacted with the Indian community and friends of India. In her address, she emphasized India’s emergence as an economic power and the numerous opportunities it offers, encouraging them to contribute to strengthening the India-Serbia relationship.
On June 8, President Murmu began her engagements with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Serbia Palace, followed by talks at both restricted and delegation levels, a joint media address, a joint business event, a meeting with Vladimir Orlić, Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the ‘Monument to the Unknown Hero’ on Mount Avala. President Vučić hosted a dinner banquet in honor of President Murmu at his palace residence.
President Vučić expressed condolences for the lives lost in the tragic train accident in Odisha and reiterated Serbia’s stance on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations.
During the bilateral discussions, President Vučić was accompanied by eight Ministers from his government, representing defense, agriculture, culture, health, mining and energy, construction, transport and infrastructure, trade, tourism, and youth. The discussions revolved around potential collaborations in defense and military technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial cooperation, information technology, artificial intelligence, and cultural cooperation, including film production and cinematography.
Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister of Serbia, hosted a luncheon in honor of President Murmu, where discussions focused on possible cooperation in trade, economy, tourism, and culture. The Prime Minister expressed keen interest in digitalization and cybersecurity.
During the meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly, President Murmu emphasized the importance of parliamentary exchanges.
President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit has reinforced the strong relations between India and Serbia, expected to provide renewed impetus to bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sphere.