India's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence

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Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. [1] All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. [2] International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. India's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence is one of non-recognition.

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Reaction

On 18 February 2008, in response to questions on developments regarding Kosovo, an official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "It has been India's consistent position that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be fully respected by all states. We have believed that the Kosovo issue should have been resolved through peaceful means and through consultation and dialogue between the concerned parties. We have taken note of the Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Kosovo. There are several legal issues involved in this Declaration. We are studying the evolving situation". [3] In March 2008, the Indian ambassador to Serbia, Ajay Swarup, told a Serbian newspaper, "India's position on Kosovo has been and still is consistent, and that is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country must be fully respected by all other countries". Swarup added that a "high level of India's support to Serbia" can be seen from the comments and articles which appeared in the Indian press following Kosovo's declaration. Swarup also pointed out that Kosovo "can set a very dangerous precedent for similar cases around the world". [4] On 15 May 2008, the Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and the People's Republic of China made a joint statement regarding Kosovo during a conference in Yekaterinburg. It was read by the host minister, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, and it said "In our statement, we recorded our fundamental position that the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo contradicts Resolution 1244. Russia, India and China encourage Belgrade and Pristina to resume talks within the framework of international law and hope they reach an agreement on all problems of that Serbian territory". [5] On 31 July 2008, Swarup stated that "India abides by the principles of international law and does not recognize Kosovo's secession". [6]

In January 2009, Swarup stated that "India will support Serbia on the issue of protection of her sovereignty in all international forums". [7]

According to leaked US embassy cables, then U.S. Ambassador to India David C. Mulford pressured India in joining with the United States and other European countries in recognizing Kosovo's independence as early as possible after its expected declaration in 2008. But due to India's historical alignment with Russia and fear that Kosovo independence will set a precedent for Kashmir independence made non-recognition of Kosovo's independence as India's default position. [8]

In September 2021, the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, once again urged the Indian government to recognize the "Sovereign territory of Kosovo". [9]

In November 2022, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affarirs of India Arindam Bagchi stated thet India's position on Kosovo has not changed, in response to reports on the opening of the India-Kosovo Commercial Economic Office in New Delhi. [10]

See also

Related Research Articles

The political status of Kosovo, also known as the Kosovo question, is the subject of a long-running political and territorial dispute between the Serbian government and the Government of Kosovo, stemming from the breakup of Yugoslavia (1991–92) and the ensuing Kosovo War (1998–99). In 1999, the administration of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija was handed on an interim basis to the United Nations under the terms of UNSCR 1244 which ended the Kosovo conflict of that year. That resolution reaffirmed the territorial integrity of Serbia over Kosovo but required the UN administration to promote the establishment of 'substantial autonomy and self-government' for Kosovo pending a 'final settlement' for negotiation between the parties.

The 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, which proclaimed the Republic of Kosovo to be an independent and sovereign state, was adopted at a meeting held on 17 February 2008 by 109 out of the 120 members of the Assembly of Kosovo, including the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, and by the President of Kosovo, Fatmir Sejdiu. It was the second declaration of independence by Kosovo's Albanian-majority political institutions; the first was proclaimed on 7 September 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International recognition of Kosovo</span>

International governments are divided on the issue of recognition of the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, which was declared in 2008. The Government of Serbia does not diplomatically recognise Kosovo as a sovereign state, although the two countries have enjoyed normalised economic relations since 2020 and have agreed not to try to interfere with the other's accession to the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo independence precedent</span> Precedent set by the international recognition of the independence of Kosovo

On 17 February 2008, the majority of members of the Assembly of Kosovo, including Hashim Thaçi, and Fatmir Sejdiu, not acting in the capacity of PISG, declared Kosovo an independent and sovereign state. Kosovo was soon recognized as a sovereign state by the United States, Turkey, Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and others. This triggered an international debate over whether Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence had set a precedent in international law that could apply to other separatist movements, or whether it is a special case. The recognition of Kosovo's independence by 101 out of 193 UN states, according to many sources, has given fresh impetus to other separatist movements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo–North Macedonia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Kosovo–North Macedonia relations are diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of North Macedonia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel–Kosovo relations refer to bilateral relations between Israel and Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. Israel and Kosovo agreed on 4 September 2020, as part of negotiations for the Kosovo and Serbia Economic Normalization agreements, to mutually recognize each other. It was initially reported that the mutual recognition had not yet gone into effect at that point, and Israel's recognition of Kosovo was expected to be formally declared "in the coming weeks". However, on 21 September the ambassador of Israel to Serbia, Yahel Vilan, confirmed that Israel had indeed recognized Kosovo on 4 September 2020. The two countries established diplomatic relations on 1 February 2021. On 14 March 2021 Kosovo officially opened its Embassy in Jerusalem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence</span>

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. The Russian Federation’s reaction to the 2008 Kosovo Declaration of Independence is one of strong opposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Egypt–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

Egyptian–Kosovan relations are foreign relations between Egypt and Kosovo.

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo.

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the international community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. Slovakia's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence is one of non-recognition, but it has given indications that its stance could change in the future.

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the global community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. Greece's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence in general is neutral.

Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia was enacted on Sunday, 17 February 2008 by a unanimous vote of the Assembly of Kosovo. All 11 representatives of the Serb minority boycotted the proceedings. International reaction was mixed, and the world community continues to be divided on the issue of the international recognition of Kosovo. The People's Republic of China's reaction to the 2008 Kosovo Declaration of Independence is of firm opposition.

The Holy See does not recognise Kosovo and supports the territorial respect and integrity of Serbia and per UN 1244, part of agreement with Eastern Orthodox Church, and this has led to a warming of Holy See-Serbia relations. The Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, stated that the Holy See had not recognised the independence of Kosovo and did not intend to do so in the future.

Following Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008, South Africa as a non-permanent member of the UNSC that year called for further negotiation between the government of Serbia and the Assembly of Kosovo. At a press conference on 19 February 2008, a spokesman from South Africa's Department for Foreign Affairs stated that the South African "government will be studying... the political and legal implications of this new development", that "there is no way South Africa can consciously not want to take a position on this. But you can only take a position in a matter that is not ongoing... It's a question of time before South Africa takes a definite position", and that "it's not a question of us being in the majority or minority, as it has never been. It's not a question of us being with Russia or China and it has never been and it will never be. We've got our own principles that guide us".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">India–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

India and Kosovo do not have official relations as India has not formally recognized Kosovo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argentina–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

Argentinian–Kosovar relations are foreign relations between Argentina and Kosovo. Formal diplomatic relations between two states are non-existent as Argentina does not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyprus–Kosovo relations</span> Bilateral relations

There are no formal diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Kosovo as Cyprus has not formally recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo–Tunisia relations</span> Bilateral relations

Kosovar–Tunisian relations are foreign relations between Kosovo and Tunisia. There are no formal diplomatic relations between Tunisia and Kosovo. Tunisia has not recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state.

The Embassy of India in Belgrade is the diplomatic mission of India to Serbia. The ambassador is Sanjiv Kohli. India doesn't recognised the territory of Kosovo, and instead regards the territory to be "an integral part of Serbia" and serves its jurisdiction.

China and Kosovo do not have formal diplomatic relations as China does not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state. However, China has a liaison office in Kosovo, and trade ties are increasing.

References

  1. ↑ Kosovo MPs proclaim independence, BBC, 2008-02-17
  2. ↑ Transkript: Nga Seanca Plenare e Jashtëzakonshme Solemne e Kuvendit Të Kosovës Me Rastin e Shpalljes Së Pavarësisë, Të Mbajtur Më 17 Shkurt 2008 Archived 2008-10-28 at the Wayback Machine , Republic of Kosovo Assembly, 2008-02-17 (in Albanian)
  3. ↑ In response to questions on developments regarding Kosovo, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, 2008-02-18 Archived April 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ Ambassador: India's Kosovo stand consistent Archived June 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , B92, 2008-03-31
  5. ↑ Russia, India, China urge resumption of Kosovo talks, Xinhua, 2008-05-15
  6. ↑ India to back Serbian UN GA bid Archived 2012-10-26 at the Wayback Machine , B92, 2008-07-31
  7. ↑ Ambassador: India continues to back Serbia Archived 2009-01-30 at the Wayback Machine , B92, 2009-01-24
  8. ↑ Sivaramakrishnan, Arvind (2011-04-04). "Kashmir issue clouds Indian view of Kosovo". The Hindu. Retrieved 2022-09-06.
  9. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: Kosovo is not Kashmir, recognise us, President Vjosa Osmani urges India". WION. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
  10. ↑ "India's position on Kosovo is well known and there is no change in it, says MEA spokesperson". All India Radio . 25 Nov 2022. Retrieved 8 Mar 2024.
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