Discussions also addressed both countries' commitments to cooperating in multilateral and international forums
India and Montenegro have further cemented their diplomatic relationship through the third round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Podgorica on Monday (October 28, 2024). The discussions were led by India's Additional Secretary for the Central Europe Division, Arun Kumar Sahu, and Montenegro's acting Director General for Bilateral Affairs, Aleksandar Drljević.

In a joint effort to expand collaboration, the two sides conducted a comprehensive review of existing bilateral ties and exchanged insights on regional and global issues of shared interest. The dialogue spanned a wide array of areas, emphasising political, economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation. Topics included bolstering political connections, enhancing trade and investment, advancing science and technology collaborations, and strengthening cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges between the nations.

Beyond these topics, discussions also addressed both countries' commitments to cooperating in multilateral and international forums.

India and Montenegro have cultivated a historically friendly relationship since the era of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with Montenegro maintaining an independent and cooperative stance since its independence. This relationship has been characterized by regular diplomatic exchanges and an eagerness to explore collaborative opportunities across various sectors.

Notably, recent high-level meetings, including one between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Montenegro’s President Milo Dukanovic in 2022, have highlighted areas of potential growth, particularly in renewable energy, tourism, and investment sectors.

Both nations agreed to convene for the next round of FOC in New Delhi at a mutually suitable time, demonstrating a commitment to sustaining the momentum and working towards stronger ties. This continued engagement is expected to foster meaningful advancements, particularly in areas aligned with the evolving priorities of both countries, such as economic integration, innovation in science and technology, and enriching cultural exchanges.

The third round of Foreign Office Consultations reflects India and Montenegro’s dedication to reinforcing bilateral relations and positioning themselves as cooperative allies on the global stage. The collaboration aims to yield enhanced mutual benefits, promoting a stable and prosperous future for both nations.