India’s political ties with Belarus are de facto an extension of traditionally warm and cordial bonds of friendship between India and the former Soviet Union. India was one of the first countries to recognise Belarus as an independent country in 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were established and the Indian diplomatic mission was opened in Minsk in 1992 followed by the Belarusian mission in New Delhi in 1998. There is a commonality of views shared by the two countries on almost all international and regional issues. Belarus has been supportive of India’s candidature for a permanent seat in an expanded UNSC. Belarus also supported India at the NSG. India supported Belarus for its membership in the NAM and also other international and multilateral fora.