Defence ties and bilateral cooperations high on agenda during Belarus President's India trip

New Delhi, Sep 11 : India and Belarus are expected to increase their bilateral cooperations, including in defence and security, as Alexander Lukashenko, the President of the eastern European country, arrives on a two-day visit to New Delhi on Monday.

The visit takes place in a year when Belarus and India are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them.

During the visit, Lukashenko is expected to meet with President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

An External Affairs Ministry statement said the two sides were expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, science and technology and people-to-people exchanges.

"They are also likely to exchange views and assessments on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

"A business forum and parallel meetings organised for the members of the large delegation accompanying Lukashenko would explore opportunities and cooperation avenues," the statement said.