New Delhi/Belgrade, Serbia: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited the iconic St. Sava Temple in Belgrade ahead of the upcoming high-level commemorative meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He described the landmark as a magnificent representation of Serbia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The impressive architecture, intricate detailing and peaceful surroundings of the temple offered the Minister an opportunity to experience an important part of Serbia’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
Rijiju is leading the Indian delegation at the High-Level Commemorative Meeting in Belgrade on August 31 and September 1, which marks the 65th anniversary of the first Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement. The first NAM summit was held in Belgrade in 1961, making the Serbian capital historically significant for the movement.
The theme of this year’s commemorative meeting is “The Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for Today’s World.” The meeting will provide an opportunity for participating countries to reflect on the principles and relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in the contemporary global environment.
India, one of the founding members of NAM, continues to attach importance to the movement’s principles, including sovereignty, peaceful coexistence, multilateralism and the interests of developing countries.
Rijiju’s visit to St. Sava Temple ahead of the diplomatic engagements also reflected the broader effort to deepen India-Serbia cultural and people-to-people ties, alongside India’s participation in the important NAM commemorative proceedings.
The Belgrade meeting is particularly significant for India as it returns to the city where the Non-Aligned Movement took shape 65 years ago, offering an opportunity to connect its historic principles with the challenges of today’s changing world.