The diplomatic relations between India and Belarus have marked their 78th year since their establishment. Over the years, the two countries have maintained a warm and cordial relationship. This article will cover how this relationship has evolved over the years and the potential avenues for future development.
Historical Background of India-Belarus Relations
India was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus as an independent nation in 1991 after the Soviet Union had disintegrated. The relations between the two have remained amicable since then. The partnership is comprehensive and involves several exchanges on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. These exchanges are facilitated through Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), and Joint Commission on Military Technical Cooperation.
Multilateral Support
The mutual support between India and Belarus extends to various multilateral platforms. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) serve as prominent examples of this cooperation. India’s bid for the non-permanent seat at the UNSC in July 2020 was solidified by Belarus’s support. In return, India has supported Belarus’s membership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and other international bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Development of Comprehensive Partnership
A number of agreements and MoUs have been signed between the two nations, indicating the broad spectrum of their partnership. These include areas such as trade and economic cooperation, culture, education, media and sports, tourism, science & technology, agriculture, textiles, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Promotion and Protection of Investments, and defence and technical cooperation.
Economic Engagement
Regarding economic engagement, the bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 569.6 million in 2019. India’s gesture to grant Belarus Market Economy Status and a USD 100 million Line of Credit in 2015 spurred the growth of economic ties. Furthermore, India’s invitation to Belarusian businessmen for investment in ‘Make in India’ projects has started to yield fruits.
Indian Diaspora and Cultural Exchange
Belarus is home to about 112 Indian nationals and 906 students pursuing medical education. Indian culture, including dance, yoga, ayurveda, films, etc., enjoys popularity amongst Belarusians. A considerable number of young Belarusians have also shown interest in learning Hindi and other Indian dance forms.
Way Forward
Taking into consideration the shift in the global geopolitical and geo-economic center towards Asia, the relationship with India opens up many opportunities for Belarus in terms of international trade and investment. For fruitful engagement in South Asia, Belarus needs to align its strategies with India’s national interests. Fields like cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, shared military developments, tourism, and cinema hold immense potential for cooperation. Encouraging innovative ideas, active expert diplomacy communication, and think tank interactions could be instrumental in driving bilateral cooperation forward.