EAM Jaishankar extends Independence Day greetings to goverment, people of Belarus
New Delhi, July 3
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday extended greetings to the government of Belarus on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wished his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov and the people of Belarus their 82nd Independence Day.
"Congratulations to FM Maksim Ryzhenkov, the Government and people of the Republic of Belarus on their Independence Day," he wrote.
Independence Day in Belarus is celebrated on July 3 annually, which marks the anniversary of the liberation of the capital city, Minsk, from Nazi occupation.
India and Belarus have shared warm and friendly relations since Belarus gained independence. India was among the first countries to recognise Belarus in 1991, and diplomatic ties were established in 1992.
The Indian Embassy in Minsk opened in 1992, followed by the Belarusian Embassy in New Delhi in 1998.
Previously, in November last year, Indian Ambassador to Belarus, Ashok Kumar, met Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko at the Palace of Independence in Minsk.
The Indian Embassy in Belarus said the two leaders discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, focusing mainly on ways to expand trade and commerce between the two countries.
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.
Both sides reviewed 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 statement said.
It was agreed to hold the next round of consultations at a mutually convenient time.
The Secretary (West) had also paid a courtesy call on Maxim Ryzhenkov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus. During the visit, Secretary (West) addressed the III Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security, expressing India's views on pressing regional and global issues.
"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 MEA had said in a post on X.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting article. I appreciate how India was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus back in 1991. That early relationship seems to have laid a solid foundation for ongoing cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
While it's nice to send greetings, I hope our government is also focusing on stronger economic partnerships with Belarus. The trade discussions mentioned are crucial - we need more than just ceremonial exchanges. Let's see some concrete results from these consultations.
Bharat-Belarus friendship is growing steadily! From embassy openings to consultations on security issues, our ties are getting stronger. Proud of our diplomatic efforts. 👏🎉
It's remarkable that India has maintained diplomatic relations with Belarus for over three decades now. The focus on education and cultural exchange alongside trade shows a comprehensive approach to bilateral relations. Good diplomatic work.
Happy Independence Day to Belarus! 🎉 It's heartening that India was among the first to recognize their independence - shows our commitment to supporting nations from the start. Hope our trade and cultural ties grow even stronger. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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