NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday said that there was the need for deeper educational linkages between India and Belarus. Speaking at a reception hosted by Indian Ambassador in Minsk, Pranab pointed out that several people from Belarus had benefited from India’s ITEC programmes, while Indian students had studied in institutions in Belarus.
“We must encourage linkages in the education sector as an investment in capacity-building for future generations,” he said.
The President had arrived in Belarus from Sweden on the second leg of his foreign tour .
“I am glad to see that Indian Digital Learning Centre in Minsk has been successfully operating since January 2012 and has imparted advanced IT training to a large number of IT professionals from Belarus,” he said.
On upgrading business ties, Mukherjee said that both countries were hopeful of doubling bilateral trade to $1 billion.
“India’s decision to grant ‘Market Economy Status’ to Belarus will also be a significant step to enhance our bilateral trade and to promote greater integration of Belarus in international trade structures,” he said.
The President pointed out that the threat of terroris was a common challenge to both India and Belarus, and therefore should be combated jointly. He also appreciated Belarus’ support for India’s efforts for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council(UNSC) and membership of the Nuclear Security Group.
Pranab was conferred Professor Honoris Causa by the Belarus State University.