On June 7, 2023, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, said that India is recognised as a responsible development partner and a voice of the Global South on the global stage, reflecting the country’s quest towards becoming a world power while addressing the Indian Community in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
She also said that the new infrastructure is coming up across India at a breathtaking pace and hopes that the country will be a developed nation by 2047, a hundred years after its independence from the British.
“India is the fastest growing economy in the world. With a GDP approaching USD 3.5 Trillion, we are on the way to becoming the third-largest economy in the international arena,” she said.
After she arrived in Belgrade, President Murmu said, “India is constantly pursuing its ambition to be a developed country by 2047. On the global stage, India is recognised as a responsible development partner, a first responder and a voice of the Global South.”
“Each of these aspects reflects our quest towards becoming a leading power,” she said, referring to the leading role played by India on issues such as climate change, maritime security, financial inclusion, connectivity and food security.
She said that the early indications suggest that India’s gender ratio favours women and cited the results of the civil service exams in which women achieved the top four positions.
Noting that Serbia and India are ancient lands, the president said that in the modern era, India’s relations with Serbia were particularly in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement.
She stated that the busts of several important Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Rabindranath Tagore in Belgrade, the Josip Tito Street in New Delhi and the Tito roundabout stand testimony to the historical connection.
She added that Serbia has been a valuable partner in India’s sustainable development cooperation programs. India and Serbia have always shared an understanding of each other’s core interests, Murmu said, adding that based on this bilateral foundation, she would look forward to interacting with the Serbian leadership during her visit.
She also hailed the sport’s ties between the two countries and said that the tennis player Novak Djokovic is seen as a role model and inspiration for millions in India. “Several sports coaches from Serbia are helping and training Indian athletes and sports persons to improve their skills,” she said.
“We are touched by your admiration and love for India.” She also noted that Indian Movies and films are very popular in Serbia, and the European country has emerged as a new destination for Indian filmmakers. “I was very pleased to see the cultural performance by the children,” she said.
Continuing, she said many Serbians have a deep affinity for India’s Spiritual Heritage, including Yoga. “I am also told that Ayurveda is recognised by Serbians as a system of cure and treatment.”
The President appreciated the Serbian Friends of India for their admiration and love for India. She said the role in strengthening the friendship and understanding between India and Serbia is invaluable.
The term Global South is used for the underdeveloped and developing countries such as Latin America, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Another term called “Third World” is used for underdeveloped nations and those countries who preferred Non-Alignment and refused to join the bi-polar ideologically driven US and USSR after the end of the Second World War in the year 1945. India is a part of the Global South.
Whereas, the term Global North refers to countries which are developed and much ahead in economic and technological development than Global South countries. The Global North’s countries are North America, Europe, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
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