History of Diplomatic Relations
Albania and India established diplomatic relations in 1956, marking the beginning of official interactions between the two countries. This relationship laid the groundwork for a range of collaborative efforts over the following decades, emphasized by cultural exchanges and mutual support on international platforms. In a significant development in 2004, India appointed an honorary consul in Tirana, which served to facilitate diplomatic communication and enhance bilateral ties.
Albania made a notable commitment to strengthening these relations by opening its embassy in New Delhi in early 2008. This move was instrumental in formalizing Albania's presence in India, enabling more structured diplomatic engagement. The first Albanian Ambassador to India presented his credentials to the President of India in October 2010. However, in a turn of events, the embassy was closed due to budgetary constraints imposed by the Albanian government, highlighting challenges faced by smaller nations in maintaining diplomatic missions abroad. Presently, Albania has two honorary consuls stationed in Mumbai and Delhi, which continue to facilitate diplomatic and commercial interactions.
The history of diplomatic dialogue was further enriched by the first foreign office consultations, which took place in February 2003 in Tirana. These consultations included discussions on key areas of mutual interest and allowed both nations to outline their foreign policy objectives in a collaborative environment. Cultural diplomacy played a significant role in this relationship, exemplified by the visit of Albanian President Rexhep Meidani to Kolkata in 1997 to pay respects at the funeral of Mother Teresa, whose legacy resonates in both countries. Furthermore, Lulzim Basha marked a historic moment as the first Albanian Foreign Minister to visit India in December 2008, reinforcing political engagement and showcasing Albania's interest in deepening ties with India.
A significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between the two nations occurred on 27 November 2015 when India and Albania mutually abolished visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official service passports. This agreement streamlined travel for officials, fostering greater diplomatic engagement and cooperation on various fronts, ultimately paving the way for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as trade, education, and culture. The evolution of relations between Albania and India reflects a commitment to strengthening ties based on mutual respect and shared objectives, while also facing a unique set of challenges that both countries navigate in their pursuit of deeper bilateral engagement.
Economic Relations
The economic ties between Albania and India have evolved significantly since the early 1990s, when bilateral trade was virtually non-existent. By the 2017-18 fiscal year, the total trade volume had increased to approximately USD 68.20 million. However, the following year experienced a decline, bringing the figure down to USD 59.70 million. This fluctuating trade demonstrates the challenges both nations face in establishing a stable economic partnership.
India primarily exports a diverse range of commodities to Albania, highlighting its capacity in industries such as ceramics, stone, plaster, cement, and aluminum. In addition to these materials, India also supplies food products like coffee, tea, and spices, as well as electrical machinery, organic chemicals, and processed seafood, including fish and crustaceans. On the flip side, India imports essential raw materials from Albania, including iron, steel, and various agricultural products such as oil seeds and leather goods. This complementary trade not only enhances the economic interdependence of the two nations but also reflects the potential for growth in these sectors.
In an effort to further strengthen bilateral trade relations, the India Albania Trade Expo was organized in February 2012. This event served as a platform for about 300 Indian companies to explore the Albanian market and aimed to showcase the cost-effectiveness of Indian businesses, especially in outsourcing. The Expo emphasized the importance of fostering a productive environment for mutual deals and business ventures, pointing towards the potential for increased collaboration in various industries.
To facilitate these economic ties, both nations signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in July 2013, which aimed to encourage investments and trade by alleviating the tax burden on businesses operating in both countries. Following this, in January 2015, a commitment was made to enhance cooperation in the oil and gas sector, evidenced by a Memorandum of Collaboration signed in New Delhi by key ministers. This indicates a growing interest in energy collaboration, which could play a significant role in the long-term economic relations between the two countries.
In a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation, the Albanian government awarded a contract in November 2018 to a consortium led by India Power Corporation Ltd. for the establishment of the nation's first solar power station. This project highlights India's expertise in renewable energy and demonstrates the potential for India to contribute to Albania's energy landscape. As both countries continue to build on these foundations, there exists a strong opportunity for mutual economic growth and the development of strategic partnerships across various sectors.
Cultural Relations between Albania and India
The cultural ties between Albania and India are enriched by historical figures and shared artistic expressions. One of the most notable links is Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje (now part of North Macedonia) to Albanian parents and later became an Indian citizen in 1951. She is celebrated globally for her humanitarian work and is a revered figure in both nations, with Tirana's international airport named in her honor. This recognition underscores the deep respect Albanians hold for her legacy, symbolizing a connection that transcends borders.
Indian cinematic influence has also made its mark in Albania, with Indian films being regularly broadcast on Albanian television. This cultural exchange is further enhanced by collaborations in film projects, with several Indian films being shot in scenic locations across Albania. The presence of Indian art is palpable through dance as well. For instance, in November 2012, a Manipuri dance troupe sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) showcased its talent during the centenary celebrations of Albania's independence, demonstrating the significance of cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
Moreover, the tradition of Indian classical dance continues to thrive in Albania through various performances. The ICCR-supported Mohiniyattam dance troupe, led by Dr. Neena Prasad, visited Tirana and captivated local audiences with their performances on June 6, 2019. These events not only promote Indian culture but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the arts among Albanians.
The celebration of the International Day of Yoga, initiated in 2015, has become another avenue for cultural interaction. The 5th International Day of Yoga was joyously observed on June 17, 2019, at the Selman Stermasi Stadium in Tirana, bringing together enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate health and wellness through this ancient practice. Such events reflect an ongoing commitment to nurturing cultural ties and promote yoga’s philosophy among Albanians.
Despite the blossoming cultural exchanges, the Indian community in Albania remains small, with less than 100 Indians residing in the country as of February 2020. Most of them hold professional positions in management within foreign-owned firms, indicating a trend where professional ties precede personal ties. This dynamic illustrates the potential for further strengthening relations as cultural and professional communities engage more deeply with one another, enriching the bilateral relationship between Albania and India.