AKIPRESS.COM - India is considering expanding hydrocarbon cooperation with resource-rich Kazakhstan including exploration and production of hydrocarbons and participation of Indian companies in the oil and gas sector of Central Asia’s biggest country.  

This was decided at the 13th meeting of the Indo-Kazakh Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on trade and economic, scientific, technical, industrial and cultural cooperation held in Astana earlier this week. The Kazakh side was led by Energy Minister Kanat Bozumbayev and the Indian side was led by Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Economic Times said. 

India and Kazakhstan also decided to explore the possibility of cooperation in the field of delivery of nuclear fuel and its components. The two sides further agreed to identify joint projects on the application of nuclear science in the fields of medicine, industry and agriculture. Kazakhstan is one the suppliers of uranium to India.

In addition, India invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance. It was decided to deepen cooperation in the coal, mining and mineral sectors of the economy. India has also proposed to organize training and capacity building programs with the help of the Geological Survey of India and the Indian Bureau in the field of exploration and mining regulation for the staff from Kazakhstan.

The two sides will continue to actively cooperate in the space sector in the development of communication satellites; the launch site and launch vehicles; Earth observation satellites, terrestrial segments and applications.

The Ministers also discussed possibilities of implementing joint projects to build / lease or purchase of terminal facilities in the western ports of India (Mundra and Mumbai) and the creation of optimal transport schemes between Kazakhstan and India.

The Kazakh side expressed interest in sending Kazakhstan patients to clinics / hospitals in India. In turn, the Indian side will provide the necessary support to simplify the visa regime for patients and their accompanying persons. Also, an agreement on the creation of a telemedicine network node of Central Asia in Kazakhstan was reached at the meeting.

India has proposed to sign a Memorandum on cooperation in the field of television and radio broadcasting as well as the exchange of audiovisual programs between JSC Republican Television and Radio Corporation "Kazakhstan" and Prasar-Bharati.

The two countries have also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of agricultural research and education between JSC "National Agrarian Research and Education Center" of Kazakhstan and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

India is also ready to receive IT specialists from Kazakhstan to share experience in information technology and software production.