PM Modi meets Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana

In a little less than two years after their first bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had his second bilateral meeting with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana on Thursday.

This was his first engagement in Astana where India would be inducted into the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation as a full member on Friday.

PM Modi on Thursday also attended a performance at the Astana Opera. Besides a reception given by President Nazar-bayev for all leaders of countries in the SCO.

Straight after landing in Astana, PM Modi headed straight for a bilateral meeting with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest including ways to expand bilateral ties. This is PM Modi’s second visit to Astana.

In July 2015 too both leaders had focused on boosting trade, energy, defence and security cooperation. The two sides had inked five agreements, in sectors like defence, railways and uranium supply after bilateral talks.

Kazakhstan is India’s biggest economic partner in the region and both sides believe there is more untapped potential that can take economic ties to a new level.

It was one of the first countries with which India launched civil nuclear cooperation through a uranium purchase contract. Hydrocarbons is another area of high priority between both nations. India and Kazakhstan are keen on pushing through India’s proposal for a Free Trade Agreement with Eurasian Economic Union which will lead to greater economic integration.

Kazakhstan’s Green Bridge Vision is similar to India’s ambitious plan of adding 175 GW of renewable energy in the next seven years. This is another priority area of cooperation, including in the manufacture of equipment. India is participating on a large scale in the Expo 2017 in Astana which focuses on clean energy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended a performance at the Astana Opera. President Nursultan Nazarbayev hosted the leaders of the Shanghai Co-operation organisation at a reception. Day two of Prime Minister’s Astana visit is a power packed one with several bilateral and multilateral meetings lined up.