Belgrade Connect: Rijiju Puts India-Serbia Friendship in the Spotlight

New Delhi, September 01, 2026 Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju’s visit to Belgrade has brought renewed focus to India’s longstanding relationship with Serbia, with high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The visit also comes as India participates in an important gathering marking 65 years of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Rijiju met Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut at the Palace of Serbia and exchanged views on further deepening the close and enduring ties between the two countries. “Called on H.E. Đuro Macut, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade. Exchanged warm greetings & views on further strengthening the close & enduring ties between India & Serbia, rooted in mutual respect, friendship & shared interests,” Rijiju said in a post on X. Earlier, he held a meeting with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric, where discussions centred on the longstanding friendship between India and Serbia and the scope for expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest. “Had a warm & meaningful meeting with H.E. Marko Duric, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, in Belgrade. Discussed the longstanding friendship between India & Serbia and exchanged views on further deepening bilateral relations & cooperation across areas of mutual interest,” said Rijiju. Rijiju is leading the Indian delegation at the High-Level Commemorative Meeting marking the 65th anniversary of the First Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, being held in Belgrade from August 31 to September 1. The meeting is being organised under the theme, “The Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for Today’s World.” India, a founding member of NAM, continues to uphold the movement’s principles and values, while the gathering provides participating countries an opportunity to reflect on its relevance in the present-day world. During his engagements in Belgrade, Rijiju also paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi and interacted with members of the Indian community, appreciating their contribution to India-Serbia relations. He described the interaction as an “emotionally charged” experience and also visited the Museum of Yugoslavia and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. The visit, therefore, combined diplomatic engagement with historical and cultural connections, reinforcing the enduring friendship between India and Serbia while looking towards greater cooperation in the future.