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{{ | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}{{Infobox bilateral relations|Belarus-India|Belarus|India|map=Belarus-India Locator.svg}} | ||
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Belarus-India|Belarus|India|map=Belarus-India Locator.svg}} | |||
[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.jpg|thumb|Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and Belarus President [[Alexander Lukashenko]].]] | [[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.jpg|thumb|Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and Belarus President [[Alexander Lukashenko]].]] | ||
'''Belarus–India relations''' are the bilateral ties between [[India]] and [[Belarus]]. Belarus has an embassy in [[New Delhi]] whilst India has an embassy in [[Minsk]]. Both countries are members of the [[Non Aligned Movement]]. | '''Belarus–India relations''' are the bilateral ties between [[India]] and [[Belarus]]. Belarus has an embassy in [[New Delhi]] whilst India has an embassy in [[Minsk]]. Both countries are members of the [[Non Aligned Movement]]. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
{{Expand section|date=June 2016}} | {{Expand section|date=June 2016}} | ||
Both India ([[British Raj]]) and [[Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic|Byelorussia]] were the founding members of the [[United Nations]]. India was one of the first few countries to recognise Belarus' independence. | Both India ([[British Raj]]) and [[Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic|Byelorussia]] were the founding members of the [[United Nations]]. India was one of the first few countries to recognise Belarus' independence.{{cn|date=July 2022}} | ||
==Energy Cooperation== | ==Energy Cooperation== | ||
India has participated in the reconstruction of power facilities in Belarus for energy generation and transmission. An Indian company [[Bharat Heavy Electricals]] worked on similar project in the Grodno power plant.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Pranab Mukherjee: India intends to take relations with Belarus to a higher trajectory | India has participated in the reconstruction of power facilities in Belarus for energy generation and transmission. An Indian company [[Bharat Heavy Electricals]] worked on similar project in the Grodno power plant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Astreiko |first=Marta |date=1 June 2015 |title=Pranab Mukherjee: India intends to take relations with Belarus to a higher trajectory |url=http://www.belarus.by/en/press-center/speeches-and-interviews/pranab-mukherjee-india-intends-to-take-relations-with-belarus-to-a-higher-trajectory_i_0000023886.html |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=Belarus.by}}</ref> Other agreements include exploration of energy resources in Belarus and in electrical equipment. | ||
==Economic relations== | ==Economic relations== | ||
MoUs have been signed in the field of Trade and Commerce. Belarus has [[Potash]] mines which is used in pharmaceutical and fertilizer industry which is big part of India imports. A MoU was signed between Bureau of Indian Standards and Belarus' State Committee for Standardization to cooperate in the field of standardization. Some others include that on broadcasting, textiles, manufacturing and defense.<ref>{{Cite news|title = India, Belarus agree on road map for stronger ties|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-belarus-agree-on-road-map-for-stronger-ties/article7279710.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2015-06-04|access-date = 2015-12-25|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = "India is top priority for Belarus"|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/quotindia-is-top-priority-for-belarusquot/article1828970.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 2007-04-16|access-date = 2015-12-25|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}</ref> India and Belarus also have set a trade target of US$1 Billion, to be achieved by 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title = India and Belarus set a Trade Target of US$1 Billion by 2018|url = http://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=126712| | MoUs have been signed in the field of Trade and Commerce. Belarus has [[Potash]] mines which is used in pharmaceutical and fertilizer industry which is big part of India imports. A MoU was signed between Bureau of Indian Standards and Belarus' State Committee for Standardization to cooperate in the field of standardization. Some others include that on broadcasting, textiles, manufacturing and defense.<ref>{{Cite news|title = India, Belarus agree on road map for stronger ties|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-belarus-agree-on-road-map-for-stronger-ties/article7279710.ece|newspaper = [[The Hindu]]|date = 2015-06-04|access-date = 2015-12-25|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = "India is top priority for Belarus"|url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/quotindia-is-top-priority-for-belarusquot/article1828970.ece|newspaper = [[The Hindu]]|date = 2007-04-16|access-date = 2015-12-25|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN}}</ref> India and Belarus also have set a trade target of US$1 Billion, to be achieved by 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 September 2015 |title=India and Belarus set a Trade Target of US$1 Billion by 2018 |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=126712 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225145456/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=126712 |archive-date=25 December 2015 |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=pib.nic.in}}</ref> India is also involved in seeking investment and resources through Belarusian route for developing smart cities.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Belarus to spend $170m borrowed from India on 22 projects|url = http://eng.belta.by/economics/view/belarus-to-spend-170m-borrowed-from-india-on-22-projects-87376-2015/|website =Belta|date = 2015-12-02|access-date = 2015-12-25|language = en-EN}}</ref> Other terms include improving the manufacturing sector and increasing skill development and considering the [[Swachh Bharat Abhiyan]] by improving sanitation and cleanliness. The India CIS Chambers of Commerce and Industry was formed to devise correct policies and monitor the trade relations between the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] states including Belarus and India.<ref>{{Cite web|title = India Belarus Trade Relations|url = http://business.mapsofindia.com/trade-relations/india-cis/india-belarus.html|website = Business Maps of India|access-date = 2015-12-25}}</ref> | ||
In June 2025, Indian Defence Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] met his Belarusian counterpart [[Viktor Khrenin]] on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' conclave in [[Qingdao]], China. The two discussed strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing regional security. | |||
The meeting underscored the strategic value of the [[India]]–[[Belarus]] partnership, particularly in defence manufacturing, technology exchange, and military training. Belarus remains a key partner in India’s efforts to diversify its defence ties and boost indigenous capabilities. | |||
Singh called the interaction “enriching,” reaffirming India's commitment to deepening engagement with [[Eurasia]]n partners. He also held separate talks with Russian Defence Minister [[Andrey Belousov]], focusing on the evolving regional security scenario.<ref>{{Cite news |agency=PTI |date=2025-06-26 |title=SCO summit: Rajnath meets Belarus Defence Minister in Qingdao |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sco-summit-rajnath-meets-belarus-defence-minister-in-qingdao/article69740040.ece |access-date=2025-06-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
==Other Inclinations== | ==Other Inclinations== | ||
Belarus supports India at the NSG ([[Nuclear Suppliers Group]]) and for the permanent membership in [[United Nations Security Council]]. India supports Belarus for its membership in the NAM ([[Non-Aligned | Belarus supports India at the NSG ([[Nuclear Suppliers Group]]) and for the permanent membership in [[United Nations Security Council]]. India supports Belarus for its membership in the NAM ([[Non-Aligned Movement]]) and in IPU ([[Inter-Parliamentary Union]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2015 |title=Sweden, Belarus support India's Permanent Membership in UNSC: Pranab |url=http://ebangla.in/news/sweden-belarus-support-indias-permanent-membership-in-unsc-pranab/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225202239/http://ebangla.in/news/sweden-belarus-support-indias-permanent-membership-in-unsc-pranab/ |archive-date=2015-12-25 |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=ebangla.in |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
==State visits== | ==State visits== | ||
During the visit of [[Pranab Mukherjee]], the president of India, in June 2015, many agreements were signed which include exchange of students and promotion of tourism.<ref>{{Cite web|title = India, Belarus to enhance bilateral ties|url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-15/news/61179943_1_bilateral-ties-international-yoga-day-india-and-belarus| | During the visit of [[Pranab Mukherjee]], the president of India, in June 2015, many agreements were signed which include exchange of students and promotion of tourism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2015 |title=India, Belarus to enhance bilateral ties |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-15/news/61179943_1_bilateral-ties-international-yoga-day-india-and-belarus |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208182618/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-04-15/news/61179943_1_bilateral-ties-international-yoga-day-india-and-belarus |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=[[The Economic Times]] |agency=PTI}}</ref> It also included science & technology cooperation. | ||
==Culture and education== | ==Culture and education== | ||
The cultural relations between both countries were established from the time when Belarus was part of Soviet Union. India's national poet [[Rabindranath Tagore]] visited Minsk in 1931 where he met with other intellectuals. The musician, Nicholas Nabokov, visited India in the 1960s and was impressed by India's musical traditions.<ref>{{Cite web|title = President of India on an official visit in Belarus|url = http://www.tvr.by/eng/news/prezident/v_belarusi_s_ofitsialnoy_missiey_nakhoditsya_prezident_indii/| | The cultural relations between both countries were established from the time when Belarus was part of Soviet Union. India's national poet [[Rabindranath Tagore]] visited Minsk in 1931 where he met with other intellectuals. The musician, Nicholas Nabokov, visited India in the 1960s and was impressed by India's musical traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2015 |title=President of India on an official visit in Belarus |url=http://www.tvr.by/eng/news/prezident/v_belarusi_s_ofitsialnoy_missiey_nakhoditsya_prezident_indii/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225220146/http://www.tvr.by/eng/news/prezident/v_belarusi_s_ofitsialnoy_missiey_nakhoditsya_prezident_indii/ |archive-date=25 December 2015 |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=tvr.by}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2015 |title=Indian President on first official visit to Belarus |url=https://charter97.org/en/news/2015/6/3/153974/ |access-date=2015-12-25 |website=charter97.org}}</ref> | ||
; Religion | |||
{{main|Hinduism in Belarus}} | |||
Hindu religion believers in Belarus face problems exercising their [[Freedom of religion in Belarus|freedom of religion]] rights. According to [[United States Department of State]], Belarusian [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] (ISKCON) activists fear to register their communities because of possible fraud and revenge from authorities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2016 |title=В России, РБ, на Донбасе продолжаются преследования верующих |trans-title=Persecution of believers continues in Russia, Belarus, and Donbass |url=https://www.slavicsac.com/2016/08/11/religious-presecution/ |website=slavicsac.com}}</ref> In 2003, activists of Belarusian branch of ISKCON issued a statement against defamation of their religion in Belarusian school textbook. ISKCON communities were accused of fooling the believers (an offensive word "making-blockhead" was used in the textbook), and it was stated that Krishnaite believers need a psychiatrist assistance to return to "real life".<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2003 |title=Все верующие вайшнавы Беларуси, представители одной из самых древних религиоз-ных традиций индуизма, выражают свой протест в связи с опубликованием в учебном пособии для 11 классов общеобразовательных школ сведений, порочащих как в целом указанную традицию, так и международную религиозную организацию вайшнавов – «Международное общество сознания Кришны». |trans-title=All Vaishnava believers of Belarus, representatives of one of the most ancient religious traditions of Hinduism, express their protest in connection with the publication in a textbook for 11th grade comprehensive schools of information that discredits both the said tradition as a whole and the international religious organization of Vaishnavas – the “International Society for Krishna Consciousness”. |url=https://spring96.org/ru/news/7422 |work=[[Viasna Human Rights Centre]]|language=ru}}</ref> In 2016, ISKCON activist in [[Homiel]] was fined for outdoor religious activity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spring96.org/ru/news/83966|title=Гомель: кришнаита судили за религиозные песнопения на улице|work=[[Viasna Human Rights Centre]]|language=ru}}</ref> According to [[Human Rights Watch]], [[Arbitrary arrest and detention|arbitrary arrests]] of ISKCON activists and other Hinduists are regular.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/legacy/russian/reports/2003/world/pdf/belarus-rus.pdf|title=РАЗВИТИЕ СОБЫТИЙ В ОБЛАСТИ ПРАВ ЧЕЛОВЕКА|work=[[Human Rights Watch]]}}</ref> | |||
In July 2021, Belarusian authorities launched an attack on non-governmental organizations, and among NGOs forcibly closed by Ministry of justice was "Vedanta vada" ({{langx|ru|Веданта вада}}) Hinduist cultural and educational organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://belsat.eu/news/23-07-2021-za-paudnya-minyust-likvidavau-bolsh-za-40-gramadskih-arganizatsyyau-syarod-ih-mova-nanova/|title=За паўдня Мінюст ліквідаваў больш за 40 грамадскіх арганізацыяў. Сярод іх – «Бізнес школа ІПМ», Press Club Belarus, «Мова Нанова»|work=[[Belsat TV]]|language=be}}</ref> "Vedanta vada" was based in [[Mahilioŭ]] and was active in promoting Indian culture and religion.<ref>[https://vk.com/vedanta_vada "Веданта Вада". Харе Кришна в Могилёве]</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{Foreign relations of India}} | {{Foreign relations of India}} | ||
{{Foreign relations of Belarus}} | {{Foreign relations of Belarus}} | ||
{{Portal bar|Politics|Belarus|India}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Belarus-India relations}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Belarus-India relations}} | ||
[[Category:Belarus–India relations|*]] | |||
[[Category:Bilateral relations of Belarus|India]] | [[Category:Bilateral relations of Belarus|India]] | ||
[[Category:Bilateral relations of India]] | [[Category:Bilateral relations of India]] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:45, 17 March 2026
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 Belarus |
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Belarus–India relations are the bilateral ties between India and Belarus. Belarus has an embassy in New Delhi whilst India has an embassy in Minsk. Both countries are members of the Non Aligned Movement.
History[edit | edit source]
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2016) |
Both India (British Raj) and Byelorussia were the founding members of the United Nations. India was one of the first few countries to recognise Belarus' independence.[citation needed]
Energy Cooperation[edit | edit source]
India has participated in the reconstruction of power facilities in Belarus for energy generation and transmission. An Indian company Bharat Heavy Electricals worked on similar project in the Grodno power plant.[1] Other agreements include exploration of energy resources in Belarus and in electrical equipment.
Economic relations[edit | edit source]
MoUs have been signed in the field of Trade and Commerce. Belarus has Potash mines which is used in pharmaceutical and fertilizer industry which is big part of India imports. A MoU was signed between Bureau of Indian Standards and Belarus' State Committee for Standardization to cooperate in the field of standardization. Some others include that on broadcasting, textiles, manufacturing and defense.[2][3] India and Belarus also have set a trade target of US$1 Billion, to be achieved by 2018.[4] India is also involved in seeking investment and resources through Belarusian route for developing smart cities.[5] Other terms include improving the manufacturing sector and increasing skill development and considering the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by improving sanitation and cleanliness. The India CIS Chambers of Commerce and Industry was formed to devise correct policies and monitor the trade relations between the CIS states including Belarus and India.[6]
In June 2025, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Belarusian counterpart Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' conclave in Qingdao, China. The two discussed strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing regional security.
The meeting underscored the strategic value of the India–Belarus partnership, particularly in defence manufacturing, technology exchange, and military training. Belarus remains a key partner in India’s efforts to diversify its defence ties and boost indigenous capabilities.
Singh called the interaction “enriching,” reaffirming India's commitment to deepening engagement with Eurasian partners. He also held separate talks with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, focusing on the evolving regional security scenario.[7]
Other Inclinations[edit | edit source]
Belarus supports India at the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) and for the permanent membership in United Nations Security Council. India supports Belarus for its membership in the NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and in IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union).[8]
State visits[edit | edit source]
During the visit of Pranab Mukherjee, the president of India, in June 2015, many agreements were signed which include exchange of students and promotion of tourism.[9] It also included science & technology cooperation.
Culture and education[edit | edit source]
The cultural relations between both countries were established from the time when Belarus was part of Soviet Union. India's national poet Rabindranath Tagore visited Minsk in 1931 where he met with other intellectuals. The musician, Nicholas Nabokov, visited India in the 1960s and was impressed by India's musical traditions.[10][11]
- Religion
Hindu religion believers in Belarus face problems exercising their freedom of religion rights. According to United States Department of State, Belarusian International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) activists fear to register their communities because of possible fraud and revenge from authorities.[12] In 2003, activists of Belarusian branch of ISKCON issued a statement against defamation of their religion in Belarusian school textbook. ISKCON communities were accused of fooling the believers (an offensive word "making-blockhead" was used in the textbook), and it was stated that Krishnaite believers need a psychiatrist assistance to return to "real life".[13] In 2016, ISKCON activist in Homiel was fined for outdoor religious activity.[14] According to Human Rights Watch, arbitrary arrests of ISKCON activists and other Hinduists are regular.[15]
In July 2021, Belarusian authorities launched an attack on non-governmental organizations, and among NGOs forcibly closed by Ministry of justice was "Vedanta vada" (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) Hinduist cultural and educational organization.[16] "Vedanta vada" was based in Mahilioŭ and was active in promoting Indian culture and religion.[17]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Astreiko, Marta (1 June 2015). "Pranab Mukherjee: India intends to take relations with Belarus to a higher trajectory". Belarus.by. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "India, Belarus agree on road map for stronger ties". The Hindu. 4 June 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ ""India is top priority for Belarus"". The Hindu. 16 April 2007. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "India and Belarus set a Trade Target of US$1 Billion by 2018". pib.nic.in. 8 September 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "Belarus to spend $170m borrowed from India on 22 projects". Belta. 2 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "India Belarus Trade Relations". Business Maps of India. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "SCO summit: Rajnath meets Belarus Defence Minister in Qingdao". The Hindu. PTI. 26 June 2025. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ↑ "Sweden, Belarus support India's Permanent Membership in UNSC: Pranab". ebangla.in. 5 June 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "India, Belarus to enhance bilateral ties". The Economic Times. PTI. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "President of India on an official visit in Belarus". tvr.by. 3 June 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "Indian President on first official visit to Belarus". charter97.org. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
- ↑ "В России, РБ, на Донбасе продолжаются преследования верующих" [Persecution of believers continues in Russia, Belarus, and Donbass]. slavicsac.com. 11 August 2016.
- ↑ "Все верующие вайшнавы Беларуси, представители одной из самых древних религиоз-ных традиций индуизма, выражают свой протест в связи с опубликованием в учебном пособии для 11 классов общеобразовательных школ сведений, порочащих как в целом указанную традицию, так и международную религиозную организацию вайшнавов – «Международное общество сознания Кришны»" [All Vaishnava believers of Belarus, representatives of one of the most ancient religious traditions of Hinduism, express their protest in connection with the publication in a textbook for 11th grade comprehensive schools of information that discredits both the said tradition as a whole and the international religious organization of Vaishnavas – the “International Society for Krishna Consciousness”.]. Viasna Human Rights Centre (in русский). 15 April 2003.
- ↑ "Гомель: кришнаита судили за религиозные песнопения на улице". Viasna Human Rights Centre (in русский).
- ↑ "РАЗВИТИЕ СОБЫТИЙ В ОБЛАСТИ ПРАВ ЧЕЛОВЕКА" (PDF). Human Rights Watch.
- ↑ "За паўдня Мінюст ліквідаваў больш за 40 грамадскіх арганізацыяў. Сярод іх – «Бізнес школа ІПМ», Press Club Belarus, «Мова Нанова»". Belsat TV (in беларуская).
- ↑ "Веданта Вада". Харе Кришна в Могилёве
