4th Foreign Office Consultations- India and Bosnia & Herzegovina recently held their 4th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Sarajevo, strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation in various sectors. The discussions were led by Arun Kumar Sahu, the Additional Secretary for Central Europe from India, and Tarik Bukvic, the Head of the Department for Asia and Africa at Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants in the 4th Foreign Office Consultations
The Indian delegation was headed by Arun Kumar Sahu, who oversees India’s relations with Central Europe. Meanwhile, the Bosnian delegation was led by Tarik Bukvic, who is responsible for Bosnia’s relations with Asia and Africa. The meeting also included additional key officials, including Marko Milisav and Maja Gacic, advisors to the Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Christian Schmidt, the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key Topics Discussed During the Consultations
The 4th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Bosnia & Herzegovina covered a wide range of important topics to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Political and Economic Ties
One of the key focus areas of the consultations was the review and enhancement of political and economic relations. Both sides discussed trade and investment opportunities to promote economic growth and shared strategies for increasing bilateral trade. The aim is to create new avenues for collaboration and boost economic ties, especially in sectors like trade, industry, and investment.
Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Collaboration
Another important discussion topic was scientific and technological collaboration. Both India and Bosnia & Herzegovina emphasized their interest in expanding partnerships in innovation and technology sharing. Additionally, there was a focus on cultural relations, with plans for student exchanges and tourism initiatives to enhance mutual understanding and goodwill between the two nations.
| Key Areas of Cooperation | Details |
| Political Ties | Strengthening bilateral relations, addressing global political issues. |
| Economic Ties | Exploring new investment opportunities, boosting trade. |
| Scientific Collaboration | Expanding partnerships in innovation and technology sharing. |
| Cultural and Educational Relations | Promoting student exchanges, tourism, and cultural understanding. |
| Multilateral Engagement | Focus on cooperation through BRICS, UN, EU, and NAM. |
Multilateral Cooperation
The consultations also focused on multilateral cooperation between the two countries. Both India and Bosnia and Herzegovina are active members of major international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The discussions highlighted their commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. The role of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European Union (EU) and India’s growing influence in BRICS were key topics of discussion, with both sides agreeing to deepen their engagement within these frameworks.
Regional Developments
In addition to global issues, regional developments in both countries were also discussed. The Indian delegation shared its perspective on the situation in South Asia, while Bosnia and Herzegovina updated India on developments in the Balkans. This exchange of views is crucial for fostering better understanding and strengthening regional cooperation.
Diplomatic Milestones and Future Plans
India and Bosnia and Herzegovina are approaching a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations, as they will celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties in 2025. This anniversary will mark the beginning of a new phase in their relationship, with the two countries planning to continue enhancing their political, economic, and cultural collaborations.
Arun Kumar Sahu also met with Bosnian officials, including advisors to the Chairwoman of the Presidency and Christian Schmidt, the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the meeting, both sides agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations would be hosted in New Delhi at a later date, reflecting their commitment to continue deepening their relationship.
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FAQs About the 4th Foreign Office Consultations
The 4th Foreign Office Consultation is a diplomatic meeting between India and Bosnia & Herzegovina to strengthen their bilateral relationship. This includes discussions on political, economic, scientific, and cultural cooperation.
The Indian delegation was led by Arun Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary for Central Europe, while the Bosnian delegation was led by Tarik Bukvic, Head of the Department for Asia and Africa.
The key areas discussed included political relations, economic and trade opportunities, scientific and technological collaboration, cultural exchanges, and multilateral cooperation, including in BRICS, UN, and NAM.
The next Foreign Office Consultation will be hosted in New Delhi; however, the exact timing has not been decided yet.
India and Bosnia and Herzegovina are set to celebrate their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.
The 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 signifies a strong milestone in the relationship between India and Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking three decades of cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fields.
The consultations resulted in agreement to continue working on enhancing bilateral relations, including trade, scientific collaboration, cultural exchanges, and future cooperation within multilateral forums like BRICS and the UN.
