New Delhi, September 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in New Delhi on Sunday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, with the two leaders discussing ways to expand the strategic partnership between India and the Central Asian nation.
During the meeting, Modi recalled the long-standing civilisational links between India and Kazakhstan and welcomed the steady progress made in bilateral relations in recent years.
The two leaders reviewed cooperation across a wide range of areas, including political engagement, trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies.
They also discussed opportunities for cooperation in the creative economy and ways to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.The discussions assumed significance amid growing Indian engagement with Central Asia and efforts to expand cooperation in areas that are strategically important for economic growth and regional connectivity.
Energy and critical minerals emerged as important areas of potential cooperation, particularly as countries seek reliable resources to support industrial development and new technologies.Modi and Tokayev also exchanged views on major regional and international developments and discussed issues of mutual interest.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Kazakhstan strategic partnership, with a focus on promoting the interests of their respective people and contributing to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.
The meeting took place during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where India is hosting leaders and representatives from member and partner countries for discussions on global and regional issues.
