In an unprecedented move, the Vice President of India has embarked on an important tour to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia from 17th to 21st August 2019. This trip marks the first-ever high-level visit from India to the three Baltic countries. The central objective of the Vice President’s visit is to widen India’s outreach to these significant nations in the region.
Baltic Nations Backing India at United Nations
During his visit, the Vice President expressed his sincere gratitude towards Latvia and Lithuania for their unwavering support towards India’s bid for permanent membership in the expanded and reformed United Nations Security Council. Such backing illustrates the deepening diplomatic bonds between India and these Baltic nations.
Promoting Trade and Economic Cooperation
The Vice President seized the opportunity to address the maiden India-Latvia Business Forum, where he urged both countries to elevate their bilateral trade and economic rapport to new levels. This call aligns with the increasing emphasis on stimulating international trade as a vehicle for economic development and prosperity.
Unveiling Father of the Nation’s Bust in Latvia
In a touching tribute, the Vice President unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi, fondly known as the Father of the Nation, at the National Library of Latvia. This action signals the respect and admiration that India holds for its founding father while sharing his legacy with the world.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Visit | 17th – 21st August 2019 |
| Countries Visited | Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia |
| Main Purpose | Advance India’s diplomatic relations and economic cooperation |
| Historical Event | Bust of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled at the National Library of Latvia |
Future Collaboration with Estonia
The Vice President’s itinerary also includes a visit to Estonia, where discussions will focus on the expansion of bilateral relations as well as potential collaboration within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations.
Understanding the Baltic States
Located in the northeastern region of Europe, the Baltic states comprise Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These nations lie on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea. Russia bounds the Baltic states on the east, Belarus on the southeast, and Poland and an exclave of Russia on the southwest.
In 1991, each of these countries declared independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), backed by their democratically-elected governments and overwhelming public support.
Despite a dearth of natural resources, the Baltic region’s economy leans on agriculture, with a focus on potatoes, cereal grains, and fodder crops, along with livestock rearing.
India shares a historical connection and linguistic roots with the Baltics. The innovative technology and advanced ecosystems of these countries dovetail perfectly with India’s substantial market and appetite for these technologies.
