25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Belarus

India–Belarus Joint Issue

India’s relations with Belarus are rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared values. India was among the first nations to recognize Belarus as an independent country in 1991. Diplomatic relations were formally established soon after, with India opening its Embassy in Minsk in 1992, followed by the Embassy of Belarus in New Delhi in 1998. Belarus also opened its Honorary Consulate in Kolkata in December 2002.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

India and Belarus enjoy a comprehensive partnership, characterized by a broad understanding on regional and global matters. Over the years, the two countries have signed numerous Agreements and MoUs covering areas such as:

• Trade and Economic Cooperation
• Culture, Education, Media, and Sports
• Foreign Office Consultations
• Defense and Technical Cooperation
• Avoidance of Double Taxation
• Promotion and Protection of Investments

Both nations engage actively through structured mechanisms like the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), Foreign Office Consultations, and the Joint Commission on Military Technical Cooperation.

High-Level Exchanges

High-level visits have further deepened bilateral ties. The President of Belarus visited India in 1997 and 2007, while the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, visited Belarus in June 2015. This historic visit led to the signing of six significant MoUs in areas such as broadcasting, standardization, textiles, and financial securities, along with the adoption of a roadmap for future cooperation.

Cooperation at Global Platforms

India and Belarus share common views on many international issues and cooperate closely in multilateral forums. Belarus has extended consistent support to India’s candidature for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and supported India’s bid for a non-permanent seat for 2011–12. It also backed India at the NSG meeting in Seoul in April 2016.

Trade, Technology, and Development Partnership

Bilateral trade stood at USD 402 million in 2016. Collaboration in industrial, scientific, and technological sectors has grown steadily. Notable partnerships include:

• A major BHEL project worth USD 55.5 million for the Grodno Power Project-II, completed in 2013.
• Establishment of a Digital Learning Centre in ICT at the High Technology Park in Minsk with Indian assistance.
• Joint initiatives in powder metallurgy and new materials research since 1990.
• The MoU between BELAZ and India’s Enrika to service Belarusian mining equipment in India.

Belarus has actively participated in Indian trade fairs and flagship initiatives such as Make in India.

People-to-People and Cultural Exchange

Belarus has been a partner in the ITEC Programme since 1993, with over 290 Belarusian professionals trained in India as of March 2017. The Indian community in Belarus comprises around 100 Indian nationals and nearly 350 students pursuing medical education. Indian dance, yoga, Ayurveda, cinema, and culture continue to enjoy popularity among the Belarusian people.

Design of the Joint Issue

The India–Belarus Joint Issue symbolizes the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations.

• The Stamp features the National Emblems of both countries, reflecting their shared values of sovereignty, unity, and cultural identity.
• The Miniature Sheet depicts two iconic architectural landmarks:
  • Lotus (Bahá’í) Temple, New Delhi – representing India
  • National Library, Minsk – representing Belarus

Together, they stand as symbols of heritage, knowledge, and the civilizational bonds linking the two nations.

The National Emblems

National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. Approved on 29 December 1947 and adopted on 26 January 1950, it depicts four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and pride. Only three lions are visible in the emblem. The abacus carries a horse and a bull, with a Dharma Chakra at the center. Below it, in Devanagari, is the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) from the Mundaka Upanishad.

National Emblem of Belarus

The National Emblem of the Republic of Belarus symbolizes the country’s sovereignty. It features a green outline of Belarus over a globe, illuminated by the Sun’s golden rays, topped by a red five-pointed star. It is framed by a wreath of golden wheat, interwoven with clover flowers on the right and flax flowers on the left, tied together with a red-green ribbon bearing the inscription “Republic of Belarus” in Belarusian. Belarus celebrates its State Flag and State Emblem Day on the second Sunday of May each year.