The first meeting since 1992 of the Parliamentary leadership of India and Bosnia and Herzegovina

India currently has more than one billion citizens and an expanding economy and therefore many business leaders have developed a heightened interest in connecting with Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, although are our countries are far apart, our views are very close. It was an important part of history and the common vision of both Marshal Tito and of Nehru Jawaharlal that our countries be more closely connected. Even today, after so many years, this vision has great significance and meaning. This was said during a working meeting between the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Denis Bećirović, and the President of the Parliament of India, Mr. Meir Kumar.

There is huge potential in connecting these two countries and a misconception that Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a small country, would be a hindrance to great India. Experiences with Global Ispat and Mittal Steel have shown that successful relationships can be realized and cherished. According to Dr. Bećirović, on the other hand, there are also economic collectives that may raise awareness in the Indian market of the idea of economic co-operation for mutual benefit.

The conclusion of the first official meeting between the Speakers of the Parliaments of the two friendly countries was that ties should be strengthened by intensifying future inter-parliamentary co-operation. It was announced that the Presidents of the Indian Parliament would soon be sent a formal invitation to be at the head of a delegation to visit the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Secretariat of the Indian Parliament also expressed the intention to strengthen the under-developed programme of international co-operation with their colleagues from Bosnia and Herzegovina and to acquaint them with the experiences gained over the past six decades. (end)