New Delhi, 29 August (H.S.): Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will lead the Indian delegation at a high-level commemorative meeting in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, on August 31 and September 1 to mark the 65th anniversary of the first summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the theme of the meeting is “Legacy of Non-Alignment: Lessons for the Contemporary World.” India is a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and continues to reaffirm its commitment to the principles and values underpinning the grouping.

The Non-Aligned Movement currently comprises 121 developing countries. Historically, the movement has served as a common platform for developing nations, with India playing a significant role in its establishment and in advancing its objectives.

The high-level commemorative meeting in Belgrade will deliberate on the legacy of non-alignment and its relevance in the prevailing global environment. Participants are expected to discuss the movement’s foundational principles and their role amid changing international circumstances.

The first Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement was held in Belgrade in September 1961. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was among the movement’s principal founding leaders. The movement was established to provide countries with a common platform to pursue independent foreign policies without becoming part of any military bloc.

Through the Non-Aligned Movement, India has consistently championed issues concerning the sovereignty of developing countries, independent foreign policy, peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar