H.E. Alexander Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia,
H.E. Jessica Alupo, Vice President of Uganda and Chair of NAM,

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

Warm greetings from the Government and people of India. It is a great pleasure for me today to speak to this distinguished gathering, convened to commemorate a major milestone-65th anniversary of the First Conference of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM). For India, as one of the founding members of our Movement, this commemoration is all the more special.

2. May I also take this opportunity to thank our hosts, the Republic of Serbia for their gracious hospitality. Serbia and India share close and friendly relations going back to the early years of the Non-Aligned Movement based on mutual trust, understanding and support to each other on issues of core interest. Early this year in February, we were privileged to welcome H.E. Alexsander Vučić, President of Serbia for the AI Impact Summit. Hon’ble President of India also visited Serbia in 2023, which was her first-ever visit to Europe.

Excellencies,

3. Sixty-five years ago, the founding Conference of Non-Aligned Countries first met and gave institutional shape to an idea that was revolutionary for the time-that newly independent nations need not be drawn into geopolitical rivalries. India was proud to stand as one of the five founders of our Movement.

4. However, six and a half decades later, the world bears little resemblance to the bipolar order against which NAM defined itself. What has replaced it is not a simpler world, but one facing unprecedented challenges. This is a world today facing challenges of climate change, debt sustainability, resilient supply chains, technological divide, trade and tariff.

5. On our part, India has constantly been part of solutions, not of disruptions. India is guided by the belief in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is a family. Our focus has been to work for a secure, peaceful and equitable world. India has always been committed towards addressing the needs and aspirations of fellow developing countries and has been constructively championing the cause of holistic human-centric development of countries of the Global South.

6. During its G20 Presidency, India also ensured the entry of the African Union as a formal member. Our development partnership spans more than a 100 member states across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. When major conflicts occurred, India has also enhanced global awareness about their implications for food, fuel and fertilizer security.

7. As natural disasters struck, we were very often the first responder. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries, Our prompt mobilization, disaster response teams and emergency supplies have made a difference to the lives of many.

8. In an era of rapid technological development, India believes that AI and emerging technologies are human-centric and a force for global good. They must be anchored in inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits reach the Global South. It is in this spirit that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi outlined the M.A.N.A.V. vision for AI which is acronym for Moral and Ethical Systems, Accountable Governance, National Sovereignty, Accessible and Inclusive, and Valid and Legitimate.

9. Another case in point is the situation in West Asia. India extends humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine both bilaterally and through the United Nations. Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, India has provided around 135 MT of humanitarian aid, including 81.5 MT of medicines and medical supplies in four tranches. India has also released a total of USD 15 million since then, including USD 2.5 million in June 2026, to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We are committed to setting up a Super Speciality Hospital for which the ground-breaking was done earlier this month, an artificial limb fitment centre and a vocational training institute for Palestine. This is in line with our longstanding support for a two-State solution.

10. India’s global initiatives such as International Solar Alliance, One Sun, One World, One Grid Initiative, Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), International Big Cat Alliance, Global Biofuels Alliance, digital public infrastructure sharing, and renewable energy partnerships demonstrate India’s collective spirit of engagement with the Global South to address pressing global challenges while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth through development cooperation. Many countries in this gathering are members of these initiatives.

11. In an interconnected world that we live in today, securing maritime commons, ensuring safety of seafarers along with freedom of navigation and unimpeded global commerce is a shared responsibility for all countries. It must feature more in international conversations.

Friends,

12. As we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the First Conference, it is also our responsibility to ensure NAM remains relevant. The NAM today needs to work towards finding effective solutions that encourage collaboration, share our voice for Reformed multilateralism, including the UN Security Council and the International Financial Institutions to reflect contemporary realities, that is fit for future.

13. One of the longstanding challenges that continue to confront us is that of terrorism. The world needs to speak in one voice against the threat of international terrorism. Sustained and coordinated global action is necessary to counter the scourge of terrorism. Acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivations, whenever, wherever, and by whomsoever committed. It is imperative that the Non-Aligned Movement display zero-tolerance for terrorism.

Excellencies,

14. India remains committed to the principles and values of NAM and will continue to actively engage with partners to revitalize our Movement.

15. I once again thank the Government and the people of Serbia, for their hospitality and friendship.

Belgrade
September 01, 2026