Русский
India is apparently ready to start negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), according to Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik, who visited New Delhi from March 12–13. Belarus is a member of the EAEU along with Russia and Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The bloc fills the geographic space between Eastern Europe and Western China.
Alenik said that “Engagement between India and the EAEU was raised during our discussions. The Indian side confirmed its interest in building relations with the EAEU and is now seriously considering the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the EAEU.”
India has long expressed interest in a FTA with the EAEU, however matters have been delayed due to the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi’s renewed interest in negotiations may indicate that it believes the Ukraine issue is moving towards a resolution, although India does tend to take its time over trade agreements and are renowned as tough negotiators.
Russia bilateral trade with India reached a record US$50 billion in 2023, with significant increases in energy trade flows to India. However, New Delhi is also looking at new markets in Central Asia – both Russia and Kazakhstan are considered key in this regard. Kazakhstan is India’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia. Total bilateral trade between India and Kazakhstan amounted to US$1 billion in 2023.
The parties also discussed the interaction between Minsk and New Delhi within international organizations and reaffirmed mutual support in the UN.
“India and Belarus have similar views on the need to build a truly fair system of international relations and a just multipolar world order with the principles of equality of states and a balance of interests of all UN member states at its core,” Aleinik said.
Commenting on the plans to cooperate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Belarusian foreign minister recalled that India had been the first member state to ratify its bid to join the bloc, saying that “We agreed to hold consultations with India on topics of cooperation in all dimensions of the SCO”.
India has also backed Belarus’ application to join BRICS, Aleinik added. Further expansion of BRICS is set to be discussed this year, with Minsk hoping its bid will be “considered accordingly and hopefully supported.”
