India and Kazakhstan Strengthen Defence Ties in Niche Areas including C-UAS
Synopsis
In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, India and Kazakhstan's defence leaders met to discuss collaboration in niche areas, including C-UAS. This partnership aims to fortify defence capabilities and promote training exchanges.
Key Takeaways
Strengthening defence cooperation is a priority for India and Kazakhstan.
Focus on niche areas like C-UAS and military training exchanges.
Long-standing historical ties between the two nations.
Defence cooperation serves as a foundation for strategic partnership.
The agreement on 'Defence and Military Technical Cooperation' enhances bilateral engagements.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) - The Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, convened a pivotal meeting with Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, the Deputy Minister of Defence from Kazakhstan, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Their discussions were centered on enhancing defence cooperation and identifying innovative avenues for collaboration in niche sectors such as C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) and training initiatives.
The two parties reiterated their dedication to strengthening the defence partnership through ongoing and targeted engagements.
In a statement from the Integrated Defence Staff Headquarters shared on X, it was noted, "Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan met with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, CISC. Their talks emphasized fortifying Defence Cooperation and investigating new pathways for collaboration in niche areas, including C-UAS and training exchanges. Both sides committed to broadening the partnership through sustained and focused interactions."
On the previous day, Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan engaged with General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to discuss enhancing military exchanges and avenues for deepening the relationship between the armed forces of India and Kazakhstan.
Additionally, the Major General paid tribute to the valiant soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial.
The historical ties between India and Kazakhstan span over two millennia. India was among the first nations to acknowledge Kazakhstan's independence. Diplomatic relations were established in 1992, with defence cooperation forming a crucial pillar of the India-Kazakhstan strategic partnership.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Indo-Kazakh Defence Cooperation operates under an agreement on 'Defence and Military Technical Cooperation' signed in 2015. This cooperation includes military-technical collaboration, education and training, joint exercises, reciprocal visits, joint sports and adventure activities, and a Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) connecting the National Cadet Corps (NCC) of India with the Voenni Kafedra (cadet corps) of Kazakhstan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were diplomatic relations established between India and Kazakhstan?
Diplomatic relations between India and Kazakhstan were established in 1992.
What are the main areas of defence cooperation between India and Kazakhstan?
The main areas include military-technical cooperation, education and training, joint exercises, and various collaborative activities.
Who is Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan?
He is the Deputy Minister of Defence for the Republic of Kazakhstan.
What is the purpose of the Youth Exchange Programme?
The Youth Exchange Programme aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the youth of India and Kazakhstan through various activities.
