Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has spoken about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and India’s growing presence on the global stage, saying attempts were being made to undermine the Indian Prime Minister.
Vucic’s comments, made during a podcast, gained attention on Wednesday as PM Modi marked 25 years of continuous service as a head of government.
Referring to what he described as a broader trend involving attempts to weaken political leaders, Vucic specifically mentioned Modi and credited him with strengthening India’s position internationally.
“You have a leader like Narendra Modi. And now there is an effort to undermine him,” Vucic said. He added that Modi had significantly raised India’s standing in the world and had “accomplished huge things.”
Vucic did not specify who he believed was behind the alleged attempts to undermine Modi or provide details about how such efforts were being carried out.
BJP Highlights Vucic’s Remarks
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) highlighted Vucic’s comments on social media, presenting them as recognition of Modi’s leadership.
BJP leaders and spokespersons also shared excerpts of the former Serbian president’s remarks, linking them to the Prime Minister’s 25-year political journey.
Earlier on Wednesday, Vucic had congratulated Modi on completing 25 years as a head of government. In his message, he referred to Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister and said the Indian leader had demonstrated a strong commitment to the country’s future.
Vucic has previously spoken positively about India-Serbia relations and his interactions with Modi.
Modi Marks 25 Years in Public Office
PM Modi began his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and later became Prime Minister in 2014. He marked 25 years in public office on Wednesday.
On the occasion, Modi reiterated his vision of building a developed India by 2047 and outlined several national goals, including making India one of the world’s three largest economies, developing the country into a self-reliant manufacturing hub, strengthening India’s space programme and pursuing the opportunity to host the Olympic Games.
“We will do it,” Modi said while referring to the goals of a developed India, hosting the Olympics and India’s ambitions in space.
India-Serbia Relations
Vucic and Modi have held bilateral discussions on strengthening cooperation between India and Serbia, including areas such as defence and manufacturing.
The two leaders met in February on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit. Their engagement followed an earlier meeting when Vucic attended the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2017.
The latest remarks have since drawn attention amid discussions surrounding Modi’s 25-year journey in public office and India’s expanding role on the international stage.