25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Belarus

25 Years of Diplomatic Partnership

India and Belarus share traditionally warm and friendly relations rooted in mutual respect and cooperation. India was among the first countries to recognize Belarus as an independent nation in 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were established soon thereafter, with India opening its diplomatic mission in Minsk in 1992, followed by Belarus opening its Embassy in New Delhi in 1998. Belarus also established its Honorary Consulate in Kolkata in December 2002.

Over the years, bilateral relations have evolved into a comprehensive partnership marked by regular dialogue and broad understanding on issues of mutual interest. Institutional mechanisms such as Foreign Office Consultations, the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), and the Joint Commission on Military Technical Cooperation facilitate structured engagement across political, economic, defence, scientific, cultural, and educational domains.

High-Level Engagement and Agreements

Both nations have maintained consistent high-level exchanges. The President of Belarus visited India in 1997 and 2007. In June 2015, the President of India paid the first-ever State Visit from India to Belarus, significantly strengthening bilateral ties. During this visit, six Memoranda of Understanding were signed covering areas such as broadcasting, standardization, textiles, and financial securities, along with the exchange of a roadmap for future cooperation.

India and Belarus share close coordination in multilateral forums and international matters. Belarus has supported India’s candidature for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council and also backed India’s bid for the non-permanent seat for 2011–12. Belarus further extended support to India at the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meeting in Seoul in 2016.

Economic and Technical Cooperation

Economic engagement has been steadily expanding. Bilateral trade reached US$ 402 million in 2016. Indian Public Sector Undertaking Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) executed the expansion of Grodno Power Project-II under a Government of India credit line, completing the project successfully in 2013.

India also extended a Rs. 5 Crore credit line for establishing a Digital Learning Centre in ICT at the High Technology Park in Minsk, operational since 2011. Belarus contributed significantly to India’s scientific advancement, notably in establishing the Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials in Hyderabad in 1991.

Industrial cooperation includes BelAZ’s MoU with Indian company Enrika in 2011 to establish a joint venture for servicing Belarusian dumper trucks in India. Belarus has actively participated in the India International Trade Fair and in the “Make in India” initiative. The India–Belarus Joint Business Council continues to enhance commercial engagement.

Educational and Cultural Bonds

Belarus has been a partner country under India’s ITEC Programme since 1993, with over 290 Belarusian professionals benefiting from training in India by 2017. Cultural exchanges remain vibrant, with Indian art, dance, yoga, Ayurveda, and cinema enjoying popularity in Belarus.

The Indian community in Belarus comprises around 100 Indian nationals and approximately 350 Indian students pursuing medical education in Belarusian universities.

National Emblems Depicted on the Joint Issue Stamp

To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Relations between India and Belarus, the Department of Posts issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp featuring the National Emblems of both countries.

The National Emblem of India, adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, symbolizes power, courage, confidence, and pride. Adopted officially on 26 January 1950, it features three visible Asiatic lions and the Ashoka Chakra, with the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed below.

The National Emblem of Belarus represents the sovereignty of the Republic of Belarus. It features a green outline of the country set against golden rays rising over the globe, topped with a red five-pointed star and encircled by wheat ears interlaced with clover and flax flowers. The emblem bears the inscription “The Republic of Belarus” in the Belarusian language.

The commemorative stamp symbolizes the enduring friendship, shared aspirations, and growing partnership between the two nations. Through this joint issue, both countries celebrate a quarter century of diplomatic engagement and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across diverse fields of cooperation.