Jaishankar Extends Greetings to Belarus on Independence Day
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday extended greetings to the government and people of Belarus on the occasion of the country's 82nd Independence Day. In a post on X, Jaishankar congratulated his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov, the government, and the people of Belarus, marking the annual celebration held on July 3.
Independence Day in Belarus commemorates the liberation of the capital city, Minsk, from Nazi occupation in 1944. India and Belarus have maintained warm and friendly relations since Belarus gained independence. India was among the first countries to recognize Belarus in 1991, and diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
Historical Diplomatic Milestones
The Indian Embassy in Minsk opened in 1992, followed by the Belarusian Embassy in New Delhi in 1998. These early diplomatic engagements laid the foundation for a robust bilateral relationship. In November last year, Indian Ambassador to Belarus Ashok Kumar met Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the Palace of Independence in Minsk. According to the Indian Embassy in Belarus, the two leaders discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing primarily on ways to expand trade and commerce between the two countries.
Recent Consultations and Cooperation
Earlier, an Indian delegation led by Secretary (West) Sibi George visited Minsk from October 27 to 28 for the eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Belarus. Sibi George and Belarus Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Shestakov co-chaired the talks. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that both sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, tourism, education, and consular matters. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
It was agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient time. During the visit, Secretary (West) also paid a courtesy call on Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. Additionally, he addressed the III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, expressing India's views on pressing regional and global issues.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
The MEA posted on X: "The 8th round of India-Belarus Foreign Office Consultations co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Evgeny Shestakov, was held in Minsk. Both sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic, cultural, tourism, education and consular matters. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest."
The consistent diplomatic engagement underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship. With shared interests in trade, security, and cultural exchange, India and Belarus continue to strengthen their partnership.
