Establishment of Relations
India and North Macedonia share a diplomatic relationship that dates back to the establishment of formal ties on February 9, 1995. The bilateral relationship was notably marked by India's co-sponsorship of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution aimed at admitting North Macedonia into the organization. This act highlighted India's support for North Macedonia's international recognition, particularly significant at a time when the country was navigating complex regional dynamics and challenges to its identity.
Consular Developments
In the years following the establishment of diplomatic relations, both countries took steps to enhance their consular presence. North Macedonia appointed an honorary consul in New Delhi in 2006, and later opened its embassy in the Indian capital on October 7, 2008. Notably, this embassy was registered under the name Republic of Macedonia, reflecting India's prior official recognition of the country despite the broader international community's reference to it as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, particularly in the context of tensions with Greece. Subsequently, North Macedonia expanded its consular network in India, appointing honorary consuls in cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. Conversely, India reciprocated by appointing its first honorary consul in North Macedonia in 2008, while India's embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria, was jointly accredited to North Macedonia, facilitating diplomatic exchanges.
High-Level Visits
High-level visits have played an essential role in strengthening bilateral ties. In January 2009, Republic of Macedonia's Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki made history as the first senior official from his country to visit India. This was followed by a landmark visit from Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in March 2012, who led a delegation that included several ministers, showcasing the importance of India in Macedonia's foreign policy agenda. This visit was significant as it opened avenues for deeper economic collaboration, and Gruevski's delegation returned to India in January 2015 to participate in high-profile events such as the Vibrant Gujarat and the CII-Partnership Summits. Other notable visitors included National Assembly President Trajko Veljanoski in March 2013 and Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki in December 2013, during which time the two nations formalized agreements on double taxation avoidance and cooperation between their diplomatic academies.
Educational and Cultural Engagement
The relationship between India and North Macedonia extends beyond politics and trade to include cultural and educational exchanges. Citizens of North Macedonia are eligible for scholarships under Indian programs such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, promoting shared knowledge and skills development. Moreover, North Macedonian diplomats have partaken in the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats at the Indian Foreign Service Institute, fostering closer ties through shared learning experiences. These initiatives not only contribute to deeper diplomatic relationships but also enhance people-to-people connections, enriching the cultural fabric of both nations.
In summary, the India-North Macedonia relationship, built on a foundation of mutual respect and interests, continues to evolve as both countries seek to strengthen their diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
Overview of Bilateral Trade
Bilateral trade between India and North Macedonia has shown significant potential, with a total trade volume of approximately US$37.12 million recorded in the fiscal year 2019–20. India's exports to North Macedonia amounted to $22.61 million, reflecting the diverse nature of products shipped, including organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, vehicles, oil seeds, ceramic products, cement, iron, steel, and electrical machinery. North Macedonia, in return, exported commodities worth $14.51 million to India, primarily consisting of ships, boats, floating structures, mineral fuels, mineral oils, and steel. This trade dynamic underscores the complementary economic strengths of both nations.
Bilateral Investment Agreements
A foundational step in enhancing economic cooperation occurred on 17 March 2008, when India and North Macedonia signed a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. This agreement aims to encourage and protect investment opportunities, thus fostering greater collaboration and stability for businesses operating in both countries. The framework facilitates a systematic approach to bilateral investments, paving the way for Indian companies to establish a foothold in North Macedonia while assuring local investors of protection and support.
Indian Investments in North Macedonia
Indian firms have shown interest in investing in North Macedonia, which highlights the country's potential as an emerging market for foreign direct investment. Notably, Arcelor Mittal acquired a significant 90% stake in Balkan Steel in 2004, marking one of the early major Indian investments in the region. Furthermore, in 2011, Bang Overseas Limited, a Mumbai-based fabric trader and garment manufacturer, established a fully owned subsidiary in North Macedonia, indicating India's engagement in the textile sector. The BRG Group also made headlines by signing an agreement with the North Macedonian government in January 2016 to invest EUR 31 million in a steel kitchenware manufacturing factory in Porcelanka, promising to create 1,000 jobs.
Additionally, Malhotra Cables, an Indian cable manufacturer for the automotive industry, announced plans in December 2016 to invest $10 million to establish a manufacturing facility in Skopje, further solidifying India's growing industrial presence in North Macedonia.
Influential Visits and Future Prospects
The relationship has also been bolstered by high-profile visits, most notably by Sahara Group chief Subrata Roy, who traveled to North Macedonia multiple times in 2013. During these visits, he met with the Prime Minister and conveyed plans to invest EUR 2.7 billion in the country. Despite the subsequent legal challenges he faced in India, the Macedonian government maintained a favorable view of Roy, emphasizing the philanthropic contributions associated with his connections to Mother Teresa, a revered figure in both countries.
The future of India-North Macedonia relations looks promising, with ongoing discussions on enhancing trade and investment opportunities. As both nations continue to explore collaborative avenues, the groundwork laid by bilateral agreements and significant investments can potentially unlock more opportunities for economic cooperation in diverse sectors ranging from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. This partnership might not only boost trade but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of North Macedonia while providing Indian businesses with access to new markets.
Cultural Relations
The cultural ties between India and North Macedonia are significantly marked by the legacy of Mother Teresa, a prominent figure who epitomizes the connection between the two nations. Born in Skopje, the capital of present-day North Macedonia in 1910, she was originally known as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu. Her journey of compassion and philanthropy led her to embrace Indian citizenship in 1951. Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick in India, establishing the Missionaries of Charity and becoming an enduring symbol of selfless service worldwide. Her roots in North Macedonia continue to foster cultural respect and admiration, making her a pivotal figure in the India-North Macedonia relationship.
As of December 2016, the presence of Indian nationals and people of Indian origin in North Macedonia was notably limited, consisting of approximately ten individuals. These individuals have made significant contributions to the North Macedonian economy, particularly in industries such as steel and information technology. Their roles often involve senior managerial positions at prominent organizations like ArcelorMittal Steel, highlighting the potential for stronger economic ties between the two nations. The small community of Indian professionals not only enriches the workforce but also creates avenues for cultural exchange and mutual understanding between India and North Macedonia.
In recent years, both countries have expressed interest in enhancing their bilateral relations, emphasizing trade, investment, and cultural dialogue. The shared history of figures like Mother Teresa serves as a foundation upon which to build a more robust partnership. As globalization accelerates, there is an increasing opportunity for collaboration in various fields, including education, technology, and tourism, which could lead to a deeper appreciation of each other's cultural heritages. Such efforts could further strengthen the bonds and promote greater awareness of the rich tapestry that characterizes the relationship between India and North Macedonia.