President Droupadi Murmu will embark on her first-ever state visit to the Republic of Suriname and the Republic of Serbia from June 4 to June 9. The President’s visit to Suriname from June 4 to 6 will be jam-packed with bilateral talks and engagements. She will participate as a Chief Guest in the celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indians in Suriname on June 5.In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs informed, “The President will be visiting Paramaribo, Suriname, on June 4–6, at the invitation of Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. President will hold bilateral talks with President Santokhi.”
In her maiden visit to Suriname, the President will interact with members of the Indian community and diaspora. She will also visit places of historical and cultural importance.Earlier, in January 2023, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi was on a week-long visit to India, where he was invited as a Special Guest of Honour at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. President Droupadi Murmu’s visit is perceived as yet another step towards strengthening bilateral relations.
Given the great relationship the countries share, Suriname has placed high hopes in India’s G20 Presidency so as to voice the concerns of the small nations. In January, during his visit to India, President Santokhi said, “India has taken the leadership of the G20. Nowadays, in the world, we need leadership that can bring a new order of peace and understand solidarity. That is what Prime Minister Modi is expressing.”Marking the first-ever visit by a Head of State from either side, President Murmu will visit Serbia from June 7 to June 9. The President is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with President Aleksandar Vučić. Further, she is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Ana Brnabić, and Speaker of the National Assembly Vladimir Orlic. The President will also address a business event and interact with the Indian community and friends of India.
