Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) – India is a reliable political and economic partner for Belarus, Deputy Foreign Minister of Belarus Valentin Rybakov said at the event held on 26 January to mark India’s National Day, BelTA has learned.

Extending the National Day greetings to India on behalf of the Belarusian government, Valentin Rybakov stressed that India is a traditional partner for Belarus. Over 23 years since the Belarusian-Indian diplomatic relations were established, the parties have done their utmost to use the potential of bilateral cooperation to the full. The parties have been conducting regular meetings of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, ministerial consultations. The two countries have been successfully developing relations in economy, science and technology, pharmaceutical industry.

Valentin Rybakov expressed confidence that Belarus and India would continue working on expanding bilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of new initiatives announced by India’s new government. “We would like to have Belarus in the list of the countries the new Prime Minister of India is going to visit,” the Belarusian official said. He emphasized the importance of the Belarusian-Indian cultural ties. In his words, the Embassy of India in Belarus has been working hard to strengthen cultural cooperation with Belarus, conducting various festivals, competitions and meetings.

Valentin Rybakov thanked the Indian side for involving Belarusians in the ITEC program.

For his part, Indian Ambassador to Belarus Manoj Kumar Bharti noted that Belarus is an important partner for India. He cited Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as saying that it was vital to search for new markets for Belarusian goods, using the potential of India as well. “I am confident that India can provide wide opportunities for cooperation in any area. I invite Belarus and Belarusian businessmen to India to partake in the Make in India campaign. The Indian embassy will provide all possible and necessary assistance in the participation of Belarusian partners in Indian projects as well as the participation of Indian entrepreneurs in the implementation of projects in Belarus,” Manoj Kumar Bharti stressed.

According to the Indian diplomat, GDP growth in India is projected among the world’s highest within the next two years. Make in India campaign is based on fundamental elements such as infrastructure development, expansion of production and employment, energy safety, enhancement of qualifications and improvement of the business climate.