India, Belarus sign 10 pacts to expand cooperation

India and Belaru have inked 10 agreements to expand cooperation in range of areas including oil and gas, education and sports and also decided to explore joint development and manufacture of military platforms.
The agreements were signed after extensive delegational levels talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarus President A G Lukashenko in New Delhi. Both leaders agreed to focus on ramping up economic engagement between two countries and held that their is huge scope for boosting trade and investment.

Signed MoUs/Agreements

• MoU in the Oil and Gas Sector
• MoU for Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education
• Programme of cooperation in the field of culture for 2018-2020
• MoU between Sports Ministry and Ministry of Education of Belarus
• MoU for Cooperation in the Field of Vocational Education and Training
• MoU between JSC Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) and Indian Potash Ltd (IPL)
• Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and Indian National Science Academy (INSA)

India-Belarus Bilateral Relations

India’s relations with Belarus are traditionally warm and cordial. India was one of first countries to officially recognize Belarus as independent country in 1991. Bilateral relation between both countries is marked by broad understanding on issues of mutual interest.
Cooperation in science and technology and defence is important aspect of India-Belarus bilateral relations. Two-way bilateral trade amounted to US$ 402 million in 2016. The trade balance remains in favour of Belarus primarily on account of imports of Potash. Belarus has been supportive of India’s candidature for permanent seat at UNSC. Belarus also supported India at NSG meeting in Seoul in April 2016.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2017