Exiled Belarusian Leader Tsikhanouskaya Urges India to Help Free Political Prisoners Amid Crisis

In a significant appeal to India, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage his influence to help secure the release of political prisoners in Belarus. Currently living in exile in Lithuania, Tsikhanouskaya leads the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and has become a key voice against the authoritarian regime of President Alexander Lukashenko. Her plea comes amidst a growing humanitarian crisis, with over 1,400 political prisoners held in Belarus, including her husband, Syarhey Tsikhanouski.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Tsikhanouskaya emphasized India's global influence and its potential to be a mediator in the ongoing crisis. She expressed her belief that India could play a crucial role not only in ending Russia’s war against Ukraine but also in helping Belarusian citizens secure their freedom. "India is a powerful nation with significant economic and political influence, not only in Belarus but around the world. I hope the Indian Prime Minister can help release political prisoners—they are literally dying," she stated.

The Journey from Teacher to Exiled Leader

Tsikhanouskaya’s path to leadership was unexpected. Before 2020, she lived a quiet life as a teacher, far removed from politics. However, when her husband, a popular YouTube blogger, was arrested and barred from running for president, Tsikhanouskaya stepped in to contest the election. Her campaign, rooted in calls for democracy and human rights, resonated with millions of Belarusians who opposed Lukashenko’s 26-year rule. Despite claims of victory, she was forced into exile after a brutal crackdown by the regime. Today, she continues her fight not just for her husband’s freedom but for the future of all Belarusians.

Building Global Support in Exile

Despite her exile, Tsikhanouskaya has built strong international alliances. Under her leadership, Belarusian democratic forces have established the United Transitional Cabinet and a Coordination Council, which function as a proto-government and parliament for the democratic movement. These institutions are recognized by major global powers and engage in diplomatic efforts with the United Nations, European Union, and key democracies like the United States.

While her focus has been on European and American support, Tsikhanouskaya now sees India as a vital ally. She highlighted that India’s participation in multilateral organizations like the United Nations and the Community of Democracies makes it an essential partner in promoting peace and stability. "India, as the largest democracy in the world, is a potential ally and trade partner. We hope that after democratic change in Belarus, our cooperation will flourish," she said.

A Call for India’s Role in Global Peace

Tsikhanouskaya’s appeal to India aligns with its ongoing efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Prime Minister Modi has consistently advocated for peace, she believes India’s influence could extend to the situation in Belarus. She hopes India will refrain from supporting the Lukashenko regime and instead consider mediating between democratic forces and Minsk to resolve the crisis. Her proposal includes engaging with Indian leaders during international forums like the United Nations General Assembly.

Reflecting on the broader geopolitical landscape, Tsikhanouskaya noted that Belarus’s involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would have been prevented if democratic reforms had been allowed in 2020. She firmly believes that a democratic Belarus could be a cornerstone of stability in Eastern Europe and could even inspire similar movements within Russia.

The Road Ahead

As Belarus remains gripped by an authoritarian regime, Tsikhanouskaya’s government-in-exile continues its efforts to maintain international pressure and provide support to those resisting inside the country. Her call to India is part of a broader strategy to engage non-Western democracies in the struggle for Belarusian freedom. Tsikhanouskaya remains hopeful that India’s commitment to democratic values will guide its stance and lead to concrete actions that could help end the repression in her homeland.

India’s response to this appeal could signal a shift in its diplomatic posture towards Eastern Europe, emphasizing its role as a global mediator and defender of human rights. For Tsikhanouskaya, securing India’s support could be a critical step towards achieving her vision of a free and democratic Belarus.