India and Serbia Joint Issue

INDIA–SERBIA: A BOND OF FRIENDSHIP AND SHARED VALUES

70 Years of Diplomatic Relations

The year 2018 marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia), established on 5 September 1948. The two nations have shared a deep and enduring friendship, grounded in mutual respect and common ideals. As co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement, both countries have historically stood together on issues of global peace, independence, and development.

Even after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the tradition of mutual support and understanding has continued. The relationship has gained renewed momentum through high-level visits and cooperative initiatives in recent years.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Regular exchange of visits has infused fresh energy into the multi-sectoral partnership between the two nations. Both sides have emphasized the importance of economic collaboration in key areas such as food production, agriculture, defence, pharmaceuticals, health, and tourism.

Several agreements and MoUs have been signed to enhance cooperation, including:

• MoU on Cooperation in IT & Electronics
• Comprehensive Agreement on Culture, Arts, Youth, Sports and Mass Media
• Bilateral Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement (BIPPA)
• Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC)
• Trade Agreement (MFN)
• Tourism Cooperation Agreement
• MoU on Archival Cooperation (2017)

These initiatives underscore the nations’ shared commitment to development, knowledge exchange, and cultural understanding.

Trade and Economic Relations

According to Serbian trade data, India’s exports to Serbia reached USD 95.9 million in 2017, marking a 33% increase from the previous year. Indian exports mainly included pharmaceuticals, chemical products, iron and steel goods, textiles, machinery, and food products, while Serbia exported industrial machinery, PVC units, chemicals, tobacco, and raw silk to India.

Over 150 Serbian professionals have also undergone training in India across diverse fields such as IT, telecommunications, WTO, finance, management, rural development, environment, and yoga, reflecting the people-to-people connect between the two nations.

Cultural and Educational Ties

Serbia continues to hold Indian culture and heritage in high regard. Yoga and Ayurveda have been officially recognized in Serbian law, and Indian cultural performances enjoy great popularity. The national broadcaster, Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS), regularly airs Indian documentaries.

A notable highlight of cultural collaboration is the first India–Serbia joint film production, Dev Bhoomi, directed by renowned Serbian filmmaker Goran Paskaljevic, featuring an Indian cast and shot in Uttarakhand.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA: THE SPIRITUAL MESSENGER OF INDIA

Life and Philosophy

Swami Vivekananda (born Narendranath Datta, 12 January 1863) was one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders and reformers. A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, he imbibed the belief that divinity resides in all beings, and service to mankind is service to God.

After his master’s passing, Vivekananda travelled extensively across India, gaining a first-hand understanding of colonial India’s realities and inspiring the youth toward national awakening.

The Chicago Address and Global Recognition

Swami Vivekananda attained worldwide fame at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893), where he introduced Hinduism’s universal message of tolerance and oneness. His eloquence, deep spirituality, and compassion for humanity made a lasting impact.

The year 2018 also marked the 125th Anniversary of this historic address — a milestone in India’s spiritual and cultural diplomacy.

Legacy of Service and Enlightenment

Vivekananda’s mission was both national and global, aimed at fostering peace, brotherhood, and spiritual harmony. He established the Ramakrishna Mission, one of India’s most enduring institutions dedicated to service and spiritual education.

A mystic of the highest order, he inspired countless seekers through his lectures, letters, poems, and guidance. Swami Vivekananda passed away on 4 July 1902, leaving behind a timeless message of strength, compassion, and unity.

NIKOLA TESLA: THE GENIUS FROM SERBIA

A Visionary Scientist

Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), born in Smiljan, was one of the greatest Serbian scientists whose pioneering work in electrical engineering, telecommunications, robotics, and physics transformed the modern world.

With over 700 patents, Tesla’s groundbreaking inventions include the polyphase system for rotating magnetic fields, asynchronous motor, synchronous generator, and the high-voltage AC transformer. His innovations laid the foundation for the modern electrical age.

Global Recognition

In 1960, the General Conference on Weights and Measures (Paris) honoured Tesla by naming the unit of magnetic flux density after him — the “tesla” (T) — making him the only Serb to have a scientific unit bear his name.

The Meeting of Minds: Tesla and Vivekananda

A fascinating historical intersection occurred in New York, where Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla met during Vivekananda’s lectures on Vedic philosophy. Introduced by French actress Sarah Bernhardt, the two visionaries found common ground between Vedic cosmology and modern science.

In his letters of 1895, Vivekananda wrote that he recognized Vedic principles in Tesla’s scientific theories, symbolizing a profound confluence of spirituality and science.

A Stamp Celebrating Genius and Divinity

The commemorative stamp featuring Nikola Tesla symbolizes the connection between human invention and divine inspiration — celebrating two great minds, Swami Vivekananda and Nikola Tesla, who bridged the worlds of science and spirituality, East and West.