New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will head the Indian contingent to the 19th Mid-Term Ministerial of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from October 15-16, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday.

The MEA highlighted that this participation underscores India's dedication to the principles and values upheld by the movement.

A Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) will occur prior to the Ministerial on October 13-14, with Sibi George, Secretary (West), representing India.

Uganda will assume the Chair of NAM for the term 2024-26. The theme for this year's Mid-Term Ministerial is 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence'.

India is recognized as a founding member of this movement, which unites 121 developing nations on a historically significant platform, as stated by the MEA.

MoS Singh is also anticipated to engage with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from other NAM Member States.

The NAM was established during the dismantling of the colonial system and the independence movements across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, particularly during the peak of the Cold War.

In its early years, the movement significantly contributed to the decolonization efforts, enabling numerous countries and peoples to achieve freedom and independence, thereby leading to the establishment of many new sovereign states.

Throughout its existence, the Non-Aligned Movement has been crucial in safeguarding world peace and security.

India continues to place high importance on the Non-Aligned Movement. As a founding member, it remains dedicated to the movement's principles and objectives, as mentioned by the MEA.

Over time, India has actively engaged with the NAM to bolster solidarity and cooperation among its member countries, which is evident from India's consistent high-level participation in NAM meetings, including summits.