New Delhi | RBN News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, in New Delhi on Tuesday on the margins of the AI Impact Summit hosted by India.
According to an official release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Prime Minister Modi welcomed Prime Minister Bektenov’s participation in the summit, noting that it reflects the shared intent of both countries to harness emerging technologies for social development and economic advancement.
Review of Strategic Partnership
During the meeting, the two leaders conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral relations under the India–Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership framework. Discussions covered cooperation across political engagement, trade, defence and security, connectivity, energy, emerging technologies, and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on social media platform X, stated that the visit would further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. He highlighted significant potential for collaboration in sectors such as trade, energy, critical minerals, rare earth resources, defence, connectivity, and space cooperation.
Focus on Energy and Critical Minerals
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. Kazakhstan is a key energy producer in Central Asia, with significant reserves of oil, gas, and uranium. India has been seeking to diversify its energy sources and enhance long-term energy security through partnerships in resource-rich regions.
The leaders also explored cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are increasingly viewed as strategic resources for high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics.
Officials indicated that structured engagement in this sector could support supply chain resilience and industrial growth in both countries.
Connectivity and Regional Engagement
Connectivity was another key area of focus. Kazakhstan’s geographic location positions it as an important partner in regional and transcontinental connectivity initiatives linking South Asia, Central Asia, and Europe.
Enhanced transport corridors and logistics frameworks were discussed as mechanisms to facilitate trade and strengthen economic integration.
Emerging Technologies and Space
In the context of the AI Impact Summit, both sides acknowledged the role of emerging technologies in shaping future cooperation. While no specific agreements were announced, discussions included the potential for collaboration in digital technologies and space exploration.
India and Kazakhstan have previously cooperated in space-related areas, and officials suggested that this engagement could be further expanded.
People-to-People Ties
The leaders also underscored the importance of strengthening cultural and educational exchanges to deepen societal connections. People-to-people engagement has traditionally formed a stable pillar of India–Kazakhstan relations.
No Formal Agreements Announced
No memorandums of understanding or joint declarations were signed during the meeting. Officials described the talks as forward-looking, aimed at identifying areas with high growth potential under the strategic partnership framework.
What Happens Next
Follow-up discussions at ministerial and technical levels are expected to examine specific proposals in trade expansion, energy collaboration, and mineral resource partnerships.
The meeting on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit highlights continued high-level engagement between India and Kazakhstan as both nations seek to broaden strategic cooperation across economic and technological domains.
Further developments are anticipated as bilateral consultations progress through established diplomatic channels.
