The ceremony however has not been interpreted by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as a change in policy, and that New Delhi would not recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state.

This choice is consistent with those set forth by India’s more general diplomatic policies and its traditional relations with Serbia and the former Yugoslavia[5] Kosovo has actively pursued this goal in the Indian diaspora as well.

While arguing at the United Nations and other forums, Indian delegates have invoked the necessity of settlement by negotiation, and the need to avoid unilateral precedents that could be game changers.

In recent years, there have been increasing conversations within Kosovo about the strategic importance of engaging countries such as India that are considered to be critical on the world stage.

Recognition proponents describe the prospects of Kosovo diplomatic engagement as it will enable India to enhance its status as a realistic and flexible power in the international arena.

Though India continues to advocate for the policy of non-recognition, the country’s readiness to indirectly cooperate with Kosovo in the sphere of culture and economy makes it clear that in today’s world it is not enough to rely only on official diplomatic relations.