India and Belarus held the eighth round of Foreign Office Consultations in Minsk, reaffirming their commitment to expand cooperation across political, economic, cultural, educational, and consular domains.

The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (West) Sibi George, while the Belarusian side was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Evgeny Shestakov. Both sides discussed key issues, including trade, manufacturing partnerships, collaboration in international organisations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS, as well as ways to deepen people-to-people and humanitarian exchanges.

According to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry, both nations acknowledged that the potential of bilateral cooperation remains underutilized and emphasized the need for greater engagement amid evolving geopolitical challenges. “The discussions confirmed the high level of mutual trust and support between the two countries,” the statement said.

During the visit, Secretary George also called on Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and discussed avenues to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as technology, higher education, and tourism.

He interacted with Indian students at the Belarusian State Medical University (BSMU) and met its Rector, Sergei Rubnikovich, who assured continued support for the welfare and academic progress of Indian students.

George, along with Belarusian State University Rector Andrei D. Carol and Indian Ambassador Ashok Kumar, paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the university, highlighting his enduring message of peace and compassion.