Kazakhstan is India’s most important partner in Central Asia: Krishna

Onboard Special Aircraft to Kazakhstan, May 11 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna on Tuesday described Kazakhstan as India’s most important partner in Central Asia with whom it maintains strategic relations.

Speaking to media persons enroute to Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, on his maiden three-day visit to the oil-rich country, Krishna said: “Kazakhstan is most important partner in Central Asia and we have strategic partnership with Kazak.”

Krishna’s visit to Kazakhstan is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and increasing cooperation between the two countries on various issues including the civil nuclear cooperation.

Mentioning about the significance of his visit, Krishna said: “We have number of new initiatives, which are in pipeline like energy, fertilizer, (IT) Information Technology, agriculture, and most importantly, culture.”

The visit is also aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Stating that a business delegation led by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is also accompanying him, Krishna said: “This business delegation is an important step forward in consolidating our economic ties,” Krishna said. e also stated that an agreement on culture could possibly be signed during his present visit.

Krishna is scheduled to meet his Kazakhstan counterpart Kanat Saudabayev on Wednesday.

The two leaders will hold bilateral talks on economy, energy and security ties.

Krishna said that the talks with his counterpart would include inter-governmental agreement on peaceful civil nuclear cooperation and enhancing cooperation in agriculture, civil construction, mining, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals among other issues.

India and Kazakhstan will sign an exploration and production agreement for the the Satpayev oil block on the Caspian Sea before the new domestic Kazakh law on reviewing contracts of oreign companies comes into force. By Ravi Shankar (ANI)