19th NAM Summit In Kampala, Uganda

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently provided a glimpse into the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, which commenced in Uganda. The two-day summit, under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’ brings together over 120 developing countries, signifying a crucial moment in history. India, as a leading and founding member of NAM, wholeheartedly supports Uganda’s theme, reaffirming its commitment to the movement’s principles and values.

India’s Stance at the NAM Summit

India’s active participation in the NAM Summit underscores its commitment to fostering cooperation among nations independent of major power blocs. As the summit unfolds, India looks forward to engaging with NAM countries, demonstrating its dedication to promoting shared global prosperity.

Bilateral Meetings

Meeting with Belarus

On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, EAM Jaishankar held meetings with counterparts from Egypt and Belarus. His discussion with Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik revolved around cooperation in various sectors between India and Belarus. The leaders also exchanged views on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding.

Meeting with Egypt

In a separate meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jaishankar appreciated Shoukry’s insights on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The two leaders acknowledged the continued progress of bilateral cooperation between India and Egypt, following the exchange of visits by their leaders in 2023.

Regional Engagements

Discussion with Maldives

During his stay in Kampala, Jaishankar met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. The two ministers discussed the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and expedited ongoing development projects in the Maldives. They also explored opportunities for cooperation within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and NAM.

Engagement with Angola

Jaishankar also held discussions with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, focusing on the expanding collaboration between India and Angola. The talks extended to broader India-Africa cooperation, emphasizing the importance of mutual growth and shared interests.

Multilateral Cooperation

In a post on social media platform X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Angola for extending a visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals. This gesture highlights the positive outcomes of India’s active participation in multilateral fora.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): A Historical Overview

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), founded in 1961 during the Cold War based on the Panchsheel principle, traces its roots back to the concept that emerged in 1955 at the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference in Indonesia. The inaugural NAM Summit convened in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in September 1961, under the guidance of leaders such as Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and Sukarno of Indonesia.

Empowering Developing Nations in the Cold War Era

The movement aimed to advance the interests of developing countries within the context of the Cold War rivalry between the USA and USSR. In its initial phase, NAM primarily focused on the development of newly emerged nations like India, Indonesia, Egypt, among others. It played a pivotal role in decolonization, the establishment of new independent states, and the democratization of international relations.

NAM’s Global Presence

Currently, NAM consists of 120 member states, representing approximately 60% of the overall membership of the United Nations. Notably, the movement operates without formal administrative structures or a budget. The 18th NAM Summit occurred in 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the chairmanship of Azerbaijan from 2019 to 2023.

Important Questions Related to Exams

1. What is the theme of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit held in Uganda?

2. What was the primary focus of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) during its initial phase in the Cold War era?

Kindly share your responses in the comment section!!