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MINSK, 22 May (BelTA) – Belarus is eager to set up joint military industrial enterprises with India, First Deputy Chairman of the State Military Industrial Committee of Belarus Igor Bykov said during the session of the Belarus-India commission for military and technical cooperation held in Minsk, BelTA learned from the press service of the State Military Industrial Committee.

Igor Bykov confirmed that the Belarusian side is interested in further military and technical cooperation with India based on friendship, trust and mutual benefit. In his words, the fundamental principles that underlie Belarus’ cooperation policy coincide with the main principles of the Make in India national program aimed at developing and diversifying India’s manufacturing industry. “These principles include setting up joint ventures and cooperating at all stages of the life-cycle management of military goods from their design, production and utilization to maintenance and disposal. Besides, the State Military Industrial Committee acts as guarantor of the quality of the work,” Igor Bykov noted.

First deputy head of the defense production department at the Indian Ministry of Defense Ashok Kumar Gupta pointed out that Belarus is among India’s priority partners. In his words, the Belarus-India military and technical cooperation has passed the test of time. However, it is necessary to continue strengthening the cooperation ties. “I am happy that Belarus and India are successfully implementing several joint projects, but we need to look for new areas of common interest,” he believes.

The delegation of the Indian Ministry of Defense came to Belarus to partake in the seventh session of the Belarus-India commission for military and technical cooperation. The visit will last till 23 May. The delegation will visit a number of Belarus’ defense industry enterprises to study the possibilities of setting up joint ventures.