India, Serbia Review Bilateral Ties at 9th Foreign Office Consultations in Belgrade

India and Serbia held the 9th Round of Foreign Office Consultations in Belgrade on March 25, with both sides reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discussing ways to deepen cooperation across strategic and emerging sectors. The consultations were led by Secretary (West) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, and Serbia’s State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Damjan Jovic. During the visit, Sibi George also called on Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric, where the two sides explored measures to intensify existing engagement and widen the scope of partnership between the two countries.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Serbia share close and friendly ties built on longstanding people-to-people connections and mutual goodwill. The latest round of consultations provided an opportunity for both countries to comprehensively review cooperation in areas such as trade and economic relations, defence, science and technology, fintech, agriculture, culture, and broader people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also expressed satisfaction over their continued coordination and cooperation in multilateral forums, underscoring the importance of diplomatic alignment on issues of shared interest.

The discussions also included an exchange of views on regional and global developments, reflecting the growing importance of sustained diplomatic dialogue amid a shifting international landscape. India’s outreach to Serbia is part of its wider engagement with European partners, particularly in strengthening political ties and expanding cooperation in sectors beyond traditional diplomacy. During his visit, Sibi George also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Serbia, highlighting the role of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral relations at the social and cultural level.

The consultations in Belgrade signal continuity in India-Serbia relations and point to an intent on both sides to build a broader and more contemporary partnership. With discussions ranging from defence to fintech and agriculture to culture, the latest round of talks reflects a shared effort to convert longstanding goodwill into deeper institutional and economic engagement.

Source: AIR