25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Belarus

Warm and Friendly Bilateral Relations

India and Belarus share traditionally warm and friendly relations. India was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus as an independent nation in 1991. Diplomatic relations were formalized with the opening of the Indian Embassy in Minsk in 1992 and the Belarusian Embassy in New Delhi in 1998. Belarus further expanded its presence with an Honorary Consulate in Kolkata in December 2002.

Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation

The two countries enjoy a comprehensive partnership and maintain regular dialogues through established mechanisms such as the Foreign Office Consultations, Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) and Joint Commission on Military Technical Cooperation. Over the years, several Agreements/MoUs have been signed covering trade, economic cooperation, culture, education, media, sports, avoidance of double taxation, investment protection and defence cooperation.

High-Level Exchanges

High-level visits have played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties. The President of Belarus visited India in 1997 and 2007. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, visited Belarus in June 2015, giving a significant boost to relations. Six MoUs were signed during this visit, along with a roadmap for future cooperation.

International Support and Multilateral Engagement

India and Belarus share close coordination at the international and regional levels. Belarus has supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council and backed India for the non-permanent seat for 2011–12. Belarus also supported India at the NSG meeting in Seoul in April 2016.

Trade, Economy and Industrial Collaboration

Bilateral trade in 2016 amounted to US$ 402 million. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) successfully completed a contract worth US$ 55.5 million for the expansion of the Grodno Power Project-II in 2013. A Digital Learning Centre in ICT at the High Technology Park in Minsk was set up with India’s credit line and inaugurated in 2016. Belarus also played a major role in establishing India’s Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials in Hyderabad in 1990.

In 2011, BELAZ signed an MoU with Indian firm Enrika to form a joint venture for servicing Belarusian mining dump trucks in India. Belarus participated in the India International Trade Fair as Partner Country (2012) and Focus Country (2016) and also joined the ‘Make in India’ conference in 2016. The 10th session of the India–Belarus Joint Business Council was held in New Delhi in November 2016.

People-to-People and Cultural Linkages

Belarus has been a partner under India’s ITEC Programme since 1993, with over 290 Belarusian professionals trained in India. The Indian community comprises around 100 nationals and about 350 Indian students studying medicine in Belarus. Indian culture, yoga, Ayurveda, films, dance and art enjoy wide popularity among Belarusians.

India–Belarus Joint Issue Stamps

The Joint Issue features the National Emblems of India and Belarus. The miniature sheet showcases two iconic structures:

• Bahá’í (Lotus) Temple, New Delhi – representing India
• National Library, Minsk – representing Belarus

These reflect the strong cultural and civilizational bond between the two nations.

National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, preserved at the Sarnath Museum. Approved on 29 December 1947 and adopted on 26 January 1950, it symbolizes India’s sovereignty and values. The emblem shows three visible Asiatic lions (four in the original), standing back-to-back. The base features the Dharma Chakra with a bull on the right, a horse on the left and Dharma Chakra outlines at each end. The motto Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) is inscribed below in Devanagari script, taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.

National Emblem of Belarus

The National Emblem of Belarus symbolizes the sovereignty of the Republic. It features the green contour of Belarus over a globe illuminated by golden rays of the rising Sun. A five-pointed red star appears at the top. The emblem is framed by a wreath of golden wheat interwoven with clover (right) and flax (left), tied with a red-green ribbon bearing the inscription “Republic of Belarus” in Belarusian. The country celebrates the State Flag and State Emblem Day on the second Sunday of May each year.