Belarus attaches great importance to Belarusian-Indian cooperation: Ipatov at a meeting with Speaker Lok Sabhi

Belarus attaches great importance to Belarusian-Indian cooperation, considering the development of comprehensive cooperation with India as one of the priorities of its foreign policy in Asia. This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vadim Ipatov during a meeting with Speaker Lok Sabhi Om Birla, which was held on the sidelines of the large-scale XII International Parliamentary Forum BRICS in India.

The Vice-Speaker addressed the words of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko that India is an important and reliable partner of Belarus. We highly appreciate the spirit of friendship and support that exists between Belarus and India, and together we will be able to bring Belarusian-Indian relations to a strategic level.

- I want to note the significant positive dynamics of relations in the political and business spheres, which favorably affects the implementation of joint economic projects, expansion of cooperation in scientific, military-technical, humanitarian and other fields, Vadim Ipatov said.

Speaking about inter-parliamentary cooperation, the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives noted that there are also prospects for the development of a constructive dialogue between the Parliaments of Belarus and India both in a bilateral format and on international platforms

- We believe that the interaction of inter-parliamentary friendship groups would contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between the legislative bodies of our countries, the development of direct and regular personal contacts between parliamentarians. We reasonably believe that the achieved level of political and economic cooperation, traditionally friendly relations between the countries, should be enriched through closer inter-parliamentary dialogue.

Vadim Ipatov also expressed confidence that the dialogue between friendship groups will increase the dynamics of inter-parliamentary relations, will allow to use the reserve of exchange of experience in the field of legislation.

The Vice-Speaker emphasized that Belarus and India are long-standing trading partners. Mutual trade is steadily growing, the range of bilateral trade is expanding.

- As one of the largest suppliers of fertilizers and products to the world market, our country seeks to contribute to overcoming the global food crisis. Belarus is ready to increase supplies of agricultural machinery to India, create assembly plants of Belarusian MTZ tractors, Belkommunmash electric buses, trucks and MAZ buses, including low-floor buses for airports, export of optical devices of BelOMO, linen and linen fabrics, paper pulp, timber and other wood products, high-quality confectionery and alcoholic products. In turn, Indian imports can grow through the supply of pharmaceutical and agricultural products and seafood from India. We see prospects for increasing mutual tourist flows, especially given the recent decision by the Belarusian government to grant Indian citizens the right to obtain electronic visas to enter our country. A direct flight between Minsk and New Delhi has also proved its necessity and helps both tourist and business activities.

During the meeting, the parties also touched upon interaction at international venues. Vadim Ipatov expressed gratitude to India for the support rendered in 2024 when Belarus joined the SCO as a full member and received the status of a BRICS partner country. Our cooperation at international venues is traditionally based on the principles of friendship and constructive dialogue

- We support India in its chairmanship of BRICS and see the prospects of its participation in this association through the development of partnerships with member countries and partner countries. We have the same priorities for sustainable economic development. Belarus and India are switching their economies to innovative tracks, primarily in such areas as nuclear energy, space, information, communication, nano- and biotechnology, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, the vice-speaker said.

The deputy chairman of the House of Representatives also left an entry in the Lok Sabhi Book of Honorary Guests.

Photo courtesy of the House of Representatives.

RELATED: On October 26-27, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Vadim Ipatov will take part in the large-scale XII BRICS parliamentary forum, which these days is hosted by New Delhi. This year, India chairs the association. The theme of the parliamentary forum is “Strengthening the role of parliaments for people-centred development”.

Four plenary sessions and a conversation of the heads of the international affairs committees are planned during the forum. Vadim Ipatov will speak at the meetings of the forum, and will also meet with the heads of parliamentary delegations of the member countries of the organization.