Kiren Rijiju, India's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, on Monday, 31 August, called on Duro Macut, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, with both sides discussing ways to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Key Developments

Rijiju's meeting with Prime Minister Macut centred on reinforcing what both sides described as close and enduring ties rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. 'Exchanged warm greetings and views on further strengthening the close and enduring ties between India and Serbia, rooted in mutual respect, friendship and shared interests,' Rijiju said in a post on X following the meeting.

Earlier in the day, Rijiju also held talks with Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric, where the two sides reviewed the longstanding bilateral relationship and explored prospects for expanded cooperation across areas of mutual interest. 'Discussed the longstanding friendship between India and Serbia and exchanged views on further deepening bilateral relations and cooperation across areas of mutual interest,' Rijiju noted after the meeting.

Why Rijiju Is in Belgrade

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 (NAM). The meeting, held from 31 August to 1 September, is themed 'The Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for Today's World'.

The event brings together representatives from 121 developing countries on a platform that traces its origins to the Cold War-era push for a third path between superpower blocs. India was a founding member of NAM and has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to the movement's principles.

India's NAM Commitment

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the commemorative meeting will honour the legacy of the First NAM Summit, which was held in Belgrade in 1961. 'India is a founding member of the movement which brings together 121 developing countries on a platform of historical significance. India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement,' the MEA stated.

This is a significant moment for India's foreign policy positioning — attending the NAM anniversary at a time of renewed global multipolarity signals continuity in New Delhi's strategic autonomy doctrine.

On the Sidelines

On Sunday, a day before his official engagements, Rijiju paid floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Belgrade and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, acknowledging their role in advancing people-to-people ties between the two nations.

With the Belgrade meetings concluded, attention will now shift to any joint statements or follow-up mechanisms that emerge from the NAM commemorative summit before it closes on 1 September.