1st India-Belarus Consular Dialogue takes up welfare of Indian students, tourism
| 2024-07-02
The first India-Belarus Consular Dialogue was held in Minsk on June 28, 2024.
Both sides agree to explore new initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people relations
The first-ever India-Belarus Consular Dialogue, held in Minsk on June 28, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations. The talks, which focused on various consular issues, aimed to enhance cooperation, and address mutual concerns.
Focus Areas of the Dialogue
The dialogue covered a wide array of consular issues, with a particular emphasis on the welfare of Indian students residing in Belarus. With a significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Belarus, their well-being and support mechanisms were a primary concern. The discussion also delved into strategies to boost tourism between the two countries, recognizing the potential for cultural exchange and economic benefits.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India, in a press release issued on Tuesday(July 2, 2024), highlighted the breadth of the discussions, noting that "the Dialogue centered around a wide gamut of Consular issues ranging from the welfare of Indian students in Belarus to enhancing tourism between the two countries."
The Indian delegation was led by Aman Puri, Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport, and Visa Division), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Belarusian delegation was headed by Andrei Kozhan, Head of General Directorate for Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.
In addition to the consular dialogue, the Indian delegation engaged with senior officials from the Belarusian Ministry of Sports and Tourism. These meetings aimed to explore collaborative opportunities in sports and tourism, sectors identified as potential areas for increased cooperation.
Moreover, the delegation met with representatives of the Indian student community in Belarus. This interaction provided a platform for students to voice their concerns and experiences directly to the Indian officials, ensuring that their issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Both sides committed to reviewing the progress at the next edition of the India-Belarus Consular Dialogue, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
The Indian Embassy in Belarus shared on social media, “The first ever India-Belarus Consular Dialogue was held in Minsk on 28.6.2024. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Aman Puri, JS (CPV). The two sides discussed consular issues and possibilities of launching new initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people relations.”
The consular dialogue comes against the backdrop of growing bilateral relations between India and Belarus. In May, Belarusian Ambassador to India, Mikhail Kasko, extended his country's support for India's "Make in India" and "Smart Cities" initiatives. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration in pharmaceuticals, with notable Indian companies like Cipla investing in joint ventures in Belarus.
Ambassador Kasko highlighted the robust trade and economic relations between the two countries. Tourism has also emerged as a significant area of interest, with both nations seeing a rise in tourists visiting each other's countries.
Focus Areas of the Dialogue
The dialogue covered a wide array of consular issues, with a particular emphasis on the welfare of Indian students residing in Belarus. With a significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Belarus, their well-being and support mechanisms were a primary concern. The discussion also delved into strategies to boost tourism between the two countries, recognizing the potential for cultural exchange and economic benefits.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India, in a press release issued on Tuesday(July 2, 2024), highlighted the breadth of the discussions, noting that "the Dialogue centered around a wide gamut of Consular issues ranging from the welfare of Indian students in Belarus to enhancing tourism between the two countries."
The Indian delegation was led by Aman Puri, Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport, and Visa Division), Ministry of External Affairs, while the Belarusian delegation was headed by Andrei Kozhan, Head of General Directorate for Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus.
In addition to the consular dialogue, the Indian delegation engaged with senior officials from the Belarusian Ministry of Sports and Tourism. These meetings aimed to explore collaborative opportunities in sports and tourism, sectors identified as potential areas for increased cooperation.
Moreover, the delegation met with representatives of the Indian student community in Belarus. This interaction provided a platform for students to voice their concerns and experiences directly to the Indian officials, ensuring that their issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
Both sides committed to reviewing the progress at the next edition of the India-Belarus Consular Dialogue, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.
The Indian Embassy in Belarus shared on social media, “The first ever India-Belarus Consular Dialogue was held in Minsk on 28.6.2024. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Aman Puri, JS (CPV). The two sides discussed consular issues and possibilities of launching new initiatives to further strengthen people-to-people relations.”
The consular dialogue comes against the backdrop of growing bilateral relations between India and Belarus. In May, Belarusian Ambassador to India, Mikhail Kasko, extended his country's support for India's "Make in India" and "Smart Cities" initiatives. He emphasized the ongoing collaboration in pharmaceuticals, with notable Indian companies like Cipla investing in joint ventures in Belarus.
Ambassador Kasko highlighted the robust trade and economic relations between the two countries. Tourism has also emerged as a significant area of interest, with both nations seeing a rise in tourists visiting each other's countries.
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