By Upasana Hembram
India is one of the first countries that recognised Belarus as an independent country, back in 1991. Since then India and Belarus have shared traditionally cordial and warm relations. On Tuesday, India and Belarus signed ten pacts to expand the architecture of India-Belarus partnership in a wide range of areas marked by mutual interest. These agreements were inked after extensive dialogue between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarusian President A. G. Lukashenko.
Benefits of a bilateral trade
Since Belarus attained independence, commercial and economic linkages between the two countries have witnessed a steady growth. In 2016, the bilateral trade between India and Belarus totalled to USD 402 million. The trade balance inclined towards Belarus, owing to their imports of Potash from Belarus, which is the second most important element required in India’s Potash fertiliser.
The newly signed MoUs will help diversify engagement by exploring possibilities of investments and joint ventures for increased cooperation in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and heavy machinery and equipment, given the favourable market Belarus has to offer to Indian automobile, pharmaceutical and chemical product enterprises. With India’s growing demand and Belarusian technological and industrial strength in the manufacturing of tyres, agro-industrial machinery, heavy duty construction machinery and mining equipment, partnerships in these areas can also be identified and exploited with these new agreements in place.
The newly signed MoUs will help diversify engagement by exploring possibilities of investments and joint ventures for increased cooperation in pharmaceuticals, oil and gas and heavy machinery and equipment, particularly given the favourable market Belarus has to offer to Indian automobile, pharmaceutical and chemical product enterprises. With India’s growing demand and Belarusian technological and industrial strength in the manufacturing of tyres, agro-industrial machinery, heavy duty construction machinery and mining equipment, partnerships in these areas can also be identified and exploited with these new agreements in place.
Joining hands in defence, science and technology
Collaboration in the defence sector and science and technology will play an important role in elevating bilateral relations between India and Belarus. Cooperation in defence included seeking joint manufacturing and development of military platforms under the ‘Make in India’ programme. With a focus on scientific and technical cooperation, fields like metallurgy, nano materials, chemical and engineering science and biological and medical science are set to benefit greatly. Both the countries intend to establish a technology demonstration centre in India dedicated to displaying Belarusian technology.
Cultural and educational exchange
Indian dance, music and Bollywood films are quite popular in Belarus. Belarusians take an active interest in learning Hindi, Indian classical dances, classical music, yoga and Ayurveda. The pact signed enables bolstering tourism and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, thus strengthening the Indo-Belarus friendship.
Since the Soviet era, there has been a lasting educational link between the two countries. The MoU signed between ministries of education and ministries of sports will help build a stronger foundation for Indo-Belarus bilateral relations.
Harbinger to further cooperation
Both India and Belarus share a common understanding on almost all of the global, regional and multilateral issues. India’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the expanded United Nations Security Council was backed by Belarus. Belarus also supported India’s candidature to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). From its continuing membership in the Non-Aligned Movement to other multilateral and international forums, Belarus has endorsed India during multiple occasions in the past. Meanwhile, India had also backed Belarus on several UN Resolutions that targeted Belarus for restricting freedom of expression and violating human rights. Belarus is pursuing a strategic relationship with India and it acknowledges India as an emerging global power. All these positive developments in Indo-Belarus bilateral relations are a harbinger to further cooperation at international and regional levels.
Featured Image Source: PMindia
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