President Of India Hold Bilateral Meetings; Leads Delegation-level Talks; Addresses Business India-serbia Business Forum In Belgrade

On the second day of her visit to Serbia, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu met the President of Serbia, Mr Aleksandar Vučić, the Prime Minister, Mrs Ana Brnabic and Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Mr Vladimir Orlic and led the delegation-level talks in Belgrade today (June 8, 2023).

The President commenced her engagements with the visit to Serbia Palace where she was received by President Vučić and accorded a ceremonial welcome. During the one-to-one discussion, the President thanked President Vučić and the people of Serbia for the warm welcome and hospitality.

Subsequently speaking at the delegation-level talks, the President said that India and Serbia have a time-tested and trust-based relationship. As co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, both countries share a historic association. She reiterated India’s commitment to supporting stability, prosperity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.

The President said that the economies of India and Serbia have done well in recent times. She underlined that there are several areas of promise, such as IT, Infrastructure, Machinery and Equipment, Agriculture, Science and Technology, Education, Tourism and others that
offer significant mutually beneficial opportunities.

The President noted that a significant number of Indian students are in Serbia to study medicine. She expressed confidence that they would receive a quality education and become competent professionals, as well as enduring goodwill Ambassadors for India-Serbia relations.

After the delegation-level meeting, a press statement was made by President Murmu (text is attached).

Subsequently, the President addressed the India-Serbia Business Forum. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the Indian economy is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world, with over 100 unicorns. In 2022, the total FDI inflow into India was around US $ 77 billion. She noted that the Serbian economy has recovered from the Covid pandemic and has attracted more than half of the FDI received by the Western Balkans region since 2018.

The President said that Serbia is a country of intelligent, hard- working people driven by innovation and ideas. She noted that Serbia is looking for skilled workers and professionals from overseas, to help meet its workforce requirements. She said that Indian talent can be a credible partner in the progress of Serbia.

The President said that there is huge potential for India-Serbia trade and investment. Serbia can become an effective gateway for Indian companies to access broader markets in Europe and Eurasia. She emphasized on strengthening the old bridges, and also building new ones. She said that a better understanding of each other’s capabilities would help the two countries to discover cost-effective alternate supply sources to meet their requirements. She called for more frequent trade and business interactions.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic hosted the President over a working lunch.

Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Vladimir Orlic also called on the President. During the meeting, the President said that Parliament represents the hopes and aspirations of the people and in that context, his role as the Speaker is fundamental. Both the leaders agreed that the Parliamentarians of India and Serbia have an important role in enhancing the goodwill and mutual understanding between the two countries.

The President visited Mount Avala and paid homage at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

In the evening, President Vučić will host an official dinner for the President.

Tomorrow (June 9, 2023), the President will depart for Delhi.