India-Belarus sign 10 pacts to boost bilateral ties under 'Make in India' programme

New Delhi, September 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko witnessed exchange of ten MoUs today. The leaders reviewed bilateral ties and discuss various issues of mutual interest, which include cooperation in defence & security, trade & investment, science & technology and people to people exchanges.

"We will encourage joint development and manufacturing in defence sector under the 'Make in India' programme," PM Modi said in a joint statement.

The prime minister said he and Lukashenko reviewed the "architecture" of India-Belarus partnership and exchanged ideas to expand it.

The visit is taking place in a year when Belarus and India are celebrating 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. A business forum and parallel meetings organized for the members of the large delegation accompanying President Lukashenko would explore business opportunities and cooperation avenues.

Earlier, in the morning, A ceremonial welcome was accorded to the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Tuesday at the start of his 2-day state visit.

He also laid wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's Samadhi, Rajghat. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and External Affairs Minister called on the visiting dignitary. Lukashenko had arrived in New Delhi last night.