The maritime bilateral relations between India and Lithuania were recently brought into focus when a meeting was convened in New Delhi. Attended by high-ranking officials, including the Indian Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and the Vice Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, the gathering aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations.
The Highlights of the Meeting
Several key points emerged from this meeting. Foremost was the inauguration of India’s Resident Mission in Vilnius, a move highlighted as a significant step towards reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Lithuania.
Another essential point discussed was the steady growth of bilateral trade, which has consistently increased to USD 472 million by the fiscal year 2022-23. This upward trend signifies an ongoing rise in economic collaboration between India and Lithuania, reflecting shared economic ambition and strategic partnership.
Collaboration on Port Infrastructure and Klaipeda Port’s Advantages
The discussions also explored potential collaborations in port infrastructure development, leveraging India’s expertise in this area. The goal of this collaboration is to capitalize on Lithuania’s strategic location as a gateway to crucial industrial areas in Eastern Europe.
The spotlight fell on the unique attributes of Klaipeda port, primarily its year-round ice-free status. As the leading Baltic port for container transshipment, it holds a central role in facilitating trade, with advantageous land connections to key industrial zones in Eastern Europe.
Diverse Investment Opportunities
India outlined a range of investment opportunities across various sectors for Lithuania. These include Port Modernization (PPP), Port Connectivity, Coastal Shipping, Maritime Technology, the Sagarmala Project, and Decarbonization initiatives. The overarching aim is to nurture comprehensive economic partnerships and sustainable growth.
The Major Aspects of India-Lithuania Relations
The ties between India and Lithuania are historical, with linguistic similarities suggesting ancient connections. The Lithuanian and Sanskrit languages share common threads, and pre-Christian Lithuania worshiped a nature-trinity of gods – Perkunas, Patrimpas, and Pikuolis.
Intellectual Exchange
In the 19th century, philosopher Vydunas drew parallels between Lithuanian and Hindu spiritual culture. Likewise, Lithuanian travelers Antanas Poska and Matas Salcius explored Sanskrit and Indian culture during the 1930s and 1940s. Sanskrit later became part of Vilnius University’s academic curriculum in the 1970s, strengthening academic ties between the two nations.
Political Relations
India recognized Lithuania’s independence from the USSR in 1991 and initiated diplomatic relations in 1992. Lithuania has had its Embassy in New Delhi since 2008, and it maintains three Honorary Consuls in India. Additionally, an Honorary Consul of India has been operating in Vilnius since 2014.
India-Lithuania Forum
Started in 2010, the forum seeks to foster multi-dimensional ties encompassing culture, education, business, and science. This initiative has further strengthened the bond between these two nations.
Trade Dynamics
The trade relationship between India and Lithuania is multifaceted, involving various import and export sectors. Major Indian imports from Lithuania include edible vegetables, wood and articles of wood, textiles, electrical machinery and equipment, iron and steel, optical, photographic and measuring instruments. Meanwhile, Lithuania primarily imports nuclear boilers and reactors, pharmaceutical products, fish, organic chemicals, tobacco and manufactured tobacco, textile articles, iron and steel from India.
Cultural Engagement
Culturally, Lithuanians show a keen interest in Indian traditions, especially yoga. Celebrations of International Yoga Day are widespread in Lithuania. The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme(ITEC) has seen over 400 Lithuanian nominees attending various courses, thereby fostering mutual learning and cooperation.
