Lukashenko believes Belarus and India capable of reaching $3bn turnover

Belarus and India must boost trade and economic co-operation — as stated by President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko during his meeting with Ashok Kumar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Belarus, on November 4th

“Belarus-India co-operation is quite relevant now and is particularly supervised. We are far from having achieved everything and are not even close to using the opportunities we have today. Although we have doubled our trade turnover, reaching half a billion dollars, it’s practically nothing in our relations. And the target we are striving for ($2-3bn per year in trade turnover) is quite realistic and feasible. Therefore, boosting our co-operation is the main issue. Our Foreign Minister will report on the steps we are taking in this direction. However, we hope the Indian side will be fully engaged in the process of boosting our trade turnover. I am confident you can achieve this,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted while welcoming the diplomat.

The Head of State highlighted that Belarus and India share long-standing relationships with extensive experience dating back to Soviet times.

“That’s why we would like to intensify our trade and economic ties with you,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasised.

According to the President, the economy serves as the foundation for expanding co-operation across other areas.

“There are many promising opportunities to enhance our trade and economic liaisons. We also aim to develop humanitarian exchanges with you. We began with cinema, which is natural given your well-developed industry. Your films are featured at the Listapad Film Festival, and we appreciate your participation,” the Head of State added.

The President also expressed gratitude to the Indian side for their involvement in the recent Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, saying, “We noticed it and really appreciate it.”

Last year, Belarus-India trade turnover reached $498.1m, representing 114.3 percent of the 2023 level. From January to September this year, trade in goods amounted to $605.4m, or 173.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Trade in services from January to August 2025 made up $89.5m, an increase of 111.9 percent compared to 2024.