• India and Albania held Bilateral Consultations in Tirana on October 31. 

• During the Consultations, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral, regional, and international issues. Bilateral discussions included political relations, trade, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts.

• Discussions also covered cooperation between the two countries in the international arena. 

• Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

India-Albania Relations

• India and Albania established diplomatic relations in 1956. At present, the bilateral relations between India and Albania are characterised by their positive, amicable, and future-oriented nature. 

• Additionally, both nations engage in cooperative endeavors within various multilateral forums.

• The bilateral trade has been seeing a rise in the last five years. 

• The main trade items include petroleum products, engineering goods, drugs and pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, plastering materials, lime, and cement amongst others.

• The two countries have various interactions with each other such as cultural exchange programs, ITEC scholarship program by India for Albania and the celebration of the International Yoga Day in the country amongst various other exchanges.

• India opened its resident Mission in Albania in August.

Key facts about Albania:

• Capital: Tirana 

• Region: Southern Europe, Western Balkan Peninsula, Albania is located in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula, a strategic position that enhances its importance in regional geopolitics. 

Political Features

• Location: Albania lies in Southern Europe, specifically in the western Balkans, a peninsula bounded by the Adriatic, Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. 

• Bordering Countries: Albania shares borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the southeast and south. 

• Maritime Boundaries: Albania has coastlines along the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the southwest. 

Geographical Features

• Mountains: The North Albanian Alps, part of the Dinaric Alps, cover northern Albania. 

• Highest Point: Mount Korab, Albania’s highest peak, is located in the eastern part of the country.

• Strait: The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea, creating a natural maritime passage. 

• Rivers: Major rivers include the Drin and Seman, which play a vital role in the country’s water systems.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)