Lukashenko revealed what enables to build good relations between Belarus and India today
The President of Belarus received today the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Belarus, Alok Ranjan Jha
Welcoming the diplomat, Aleksandr Lukashenko said, “First of all, I want to thank you for the accurate and balanced policy and position that you are currently taking towards our country... It will not be a secret for anyone if I say that India is our most important partner in Asia. We are closely liaising with India. Moreover, we boast the foundation for this co-operation deep in our history, especially during the Soviet period. We have always given priority in the Soviet Union to interaction with India. Therefore, this foundation enables us today to build good relations with your state in politics, and especially in economics.”
India is one of Belarus’ largest and most promising trade partners in South Asia. Last year, the volume of trade exceeded $566m. Potash fertilisers, agricultural machinery, spare parts for mining dump trucks, cord materials, fibreglass, products of the woodworking industry and petrochemical complex were exported to India. The main import items included medicines, seafood, rice, peanuts, grapes, and canned vegetables.
Investment co-operation is consistently moving forward. Three pharmaceutical investment projects are being currently implemented in Belarus with the participation of the Indian side. Interaction is also developing in the field of oil production and oil refining. In 2020-2021, Belorusneft Production Association won a tender, held by the largest Indian oil and gas company Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, and implemented a pilot chemical enhanced oil recovery project at six onshore fields in India.
Moreover, the number of Indian students studying in Belarusian universities, particularly in the medical field, is growing every year. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 888 Indian citizens studied in Belarus. Negotiations are also underway to open a vocational training centre in India.
