President Droupadi Murmu has commenced a six-day visit to Suriname and Serbia, marking her first state visit since assuming office in July 2022. The visit holds historical significance as President Murmu will be the chief guest at the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, which will be celebrated on June 5.
Accompanied by Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, and Member of Parliament, Shrimati Rama Devi, as well as an official delegation, President Murmu will engage in official talks with Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. The discussions aim to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations, which are characterized by warm and friendly relations, particularly due to the significant Indian diaspora in Suriname.
During her stay in Suriname, President Murmu will participate in various activities commemorating the arrival of Indians in the country. She will also visit sites of historical importance related to their history and engage with the Indian community residing in Suriname. The President's visit underscores the growing influence and stature of India on the global stage, as well as the strong bond shared between the Indian diaspora and their homeland.
Following her visit to Suriname, President Murmu will proceed to Serbia, beginning on June 7. The invitation was extended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Despite recent tensions in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that President Murmu's visit will not be affected. India does not recognize the declaration of independence by Kosovo and remains committed to resolving differences through dialogue.
During the briefing on the state visits, the MEA's Secretary West, Sanjay Verma, assured that the disturbances in Kosovo would not impact President Murmu's visit to Serbia. He emphasized India's longstanding stance of not recognizing Kosovo's independence and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the recent conflicts through dialogue.
President Murmu's visit to Serbia had been planned for quite some time and was rescheduled due to the conflict in Ukraine. The visit is considered opportune at present, and it aims to further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Serbia.
Serbia, along with China, Russia, and several other EU nations, does not recognize the sovereignty of Kosovo. Despite differing stances, President Murmu's visit symbolizes India's commitment to maintaining dialogue and fostering diplomatic relations with both Serbia and Suriname.
These visits reinforce the importance attached to relations with Suriname and the Indian diaspora worldwide. The President's visit seeks to provide fresh momentum and solidify the bilateral ties between India, Suriname, and Serbia, contributing to the strengthening of global partnerships.
