In recent news, President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a diplomatic visit to Serbia, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations. The visit yielded fruitful outcomes, with both leaders agreeing to enhance trade, simplify visa procedures, and foster business collaborations. This essay delves into the significance of President Murmu’s visit to Serbia, explores the geographical location of Serbia, provides an overview of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and delves into the longstanding relationship between India and Serbia.
Outcomes of the Visit:
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Serbia resulted in several positive outcomes, emphasizing the commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral cooperation. The key outcomes include:
- Target for Bilateral Trade: Both leaders agreed to set a target for bilateral trade, aiming to increase it from the current 320 million euros to one billion euros by the end of the decade.
- Simplification of Visa Issues: The Serbian President promised to simplify the visa process for Indian nationals, fostering greater people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
- Business Collaboration: A high-powered business delegation comprising members from renowned Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, including ASSOCHAM, FICCI, and CII, held talks with a Serbian business delegation. This exchange aimed to explore and facilitate business opportunities between the two nations.
Geographical Location of Serbia:
To better understand Serbia’s significance and its relationship with India, it is important to grasp its geographical location. Serbia is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe. Key geographical features include:
- Bordering Countries: Serbia shares its borders with eight other European countries, namely Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.
- Capital and Major Cities: The capital city of Serbia is Belgrade, which is also the largest city in the country. Belgrade holds strategic importance as a political, economic, and cultural hub.
- Mountains and Rivers: Serbia boasts several notable mountain ranges such as Kopaonik, Tara, Zlatibor, Stara Planina, and Golija. The highest peak in Serbia is Djeravica on Prokletije. The country is also traversed by significant rivers, including the Danube, Sava, Tisa, Drina, and Morava.
The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia:
To comprehend the historical context of Serbia, it is vital to briefly explore the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which Serbia was a part of. Key points include:
- Former Yugoslavia: Former Yugoslavia, also known as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), comprised six republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia (including Kosovo and Vojvodina regions), and Slovenia.
- Independence Declarations: In 1991, declarations of independence by Slovenia and Croatia effectively dissolved SFRY. Subsequently, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina also declared independence, leaving only Serbia and Montenegro within the Federation.
- Formation and Dissolution of FRY: Serbia and Montenegro declared the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in 1992. This union was reconstituted as the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2003. However, it ultimately dissolved after Montenegro’s declaration of independence in 2006.
India-Serbia Relations
India and Serbia have a long-standing history of strong bilateral relations, rooted in their shared role as co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement. This enduring friendship has fostered close ties between the two nations over the years.
In June 1995, India and Yugoslavia signed a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), solidifying their commitment to diplomatic cooperation. Additionally, several agreements have been established to enhance various aspects of the bilateral relationship. These include the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) in 2003, which expired in 2020, and negotiations are currently underway for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Furthermore, the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) was signed in 2006, along with a Trade Agreement granting Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to both countries. Other agreements focus on areas such as tourism, agricultural cooperation, science and technology, and IT & electronics.
The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme was extended to Serbia in 2008, allowing Serbian participants to undergo training in India. Moreover, Serbian military officers have been benefiting from UN Peacekeeping training courses conducted in India.
In terms of visas, Serbia unilaterally abolished visa requirements for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports, allowing a 30-day stay per year starting from September 2, 2017. Consequently, the number of Indian tourists visiting Serbia has significantly increased.
Economic and commercial relations between the two countries have witnessed positive growth. Bilateral trade reached US$198.5 million in 2017, showcasing a 39% increase compared to 2016. This upward trend continued in 2018, with trade reaching US$214.8 million, driven by Indian exports worth US$202.6 million.
To strengthen economic cooperation, the India-Serbia Joint Economic Committee (JEC) was established in 2006 under the Agreement on Trade & Economic Cooperation.
Cultural ties between India and Serbia are also prominent, with a keen interest in Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, and Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore’s visit to Serbia in 1926 and his lectures at Belgrade University hold significant historical value. Notably, Serbia has honored Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru by naming two streets after them, featuring their busts. Furthermore, Serbia co-sponsored India’s resolutions at the UN, declaring October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence and June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
Why In News
President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a diplomatic visit to Serbia, where she not only reviewed the robust bilateral relations but also explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. During her visit, President Murmu engaged in constructive discussions with Serbian officials, paving the way for stronger ties between the two nations.
MCQs about India and Serbia Relations
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Which of the following was the primary objective of President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to Serbia?
A. To explore cultural exchanges between India and Serbia.
B. To strengthen bilateral trade and cooperation.
C. To discuss visa policies for Indian nationals.
D. To promote tourism between the two countries.
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Which country does Serbia NOT share its borders with?
A. Romania.
B. Montenegro.
C. Albania.
D. Hungary.
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What was the outcome regarding visa procedures for Indians as a result of President Murmu’s visit?
A. Visa requirements were abolished for Indian nationals.
B. Visa procedures were simplified for Indian nationals.
C. Visa procedures became more stringent for Indian nationals.
D. Visa-free travel was implemented for Indian nationals.
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How did bilateral trade between India and Serbia evolve in recent years?
A. It remained stagnant with no significant changes.
B. It decreased due to trade barriers.
C. It increased steadily, reaching a new high.
D. It experienced fluctuations but ultimately declined.
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