Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and Kazakhstan

His Excellency Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, paid a State Visit to India from 23rd to 26th January 2009 at the invitation of Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of the Republic of India. He is participating as the Guest of Honour at the Republic Day Parade. He is accompanied by a high level delegation and a group of businessmen and industrialists.

2. During the State Visit, the President of India held talks with His Excellency President of Kazakhstan and hosted a State Banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Vice President of India, the External Affairs Minister, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chairperson of United Progressive Alliance called on the President of Kazakhstan.

3. The State Visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm bilateral ties at the highest political level and to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two Sides noted with satisfaction the excellent state of friendly relations and cooperation between India and Kazakhstan and expressed their firm commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and diversify areas of cooperation.

4. His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai and reiterated the need for intensifying global cooperation in combating international terrorism. He also conveyed assurance that Kazakhstan stood firmly with India in dealing with the scourge of global terrorism. The two Sides expressed hope that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to justice at the earliest. Both Sides also called for early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework.

5. The Indian Side appreciated the support extended by Government of Kazakhstan in the meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group which took the decision to enable India to resume full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community. Both Sides noted that this opened immense possibilities of cooperation in nuclear civil energy sector including in the mining of uranium. The two Governments welcomed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Nuclear Power Corporation of India and National Atomic Company Kazatomprom JSC and recommended early conclusion of an Inter Governmental Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

6. The Governments expressed satisfaction on the successful completion of negotiations and signing of the Heads of Agreement between ONGC Mittal Energy Ltd. and National Company KazMunaiGaz JSC in respect of Satpayev Block and underlined the need for expeditious conclusion of the contract in accordance with the existing law. The Indian Side conveyed that Kazakhstan ranks high in securing India's energy security and hoped that the conclusion of the Agreement is the beginning of a long term mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

7. The two Sides agreed that the trade volume between the two countries is far below potential and urged that the Governments and business enterprises of the two countries should address the issue. A joint study by designated agencies of the two Governments and apex business chambers was recommended with a view to identify products and projects, which would deepen economic engagement. His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev welcomed signing of Bilateral Protocol of Accession of Kazakhstan to the World Trade Organization and thanked the Government of India for their support on this issue.

8. The two Sides noted that relations between India and Kazakhstan had its roots in history. Both Sides expressed confidence that concluding of Agreements under consideration, highlighting the historical and cultural legacy that the two nations share, would facilitate exchange of artistes, intellectuals and philosophers, academics and students and build vibrant relations at people to people level. The two Sides also decided to organize Days of India in Kazakhstan and Days of Kazakhstan in India in the near future.

9. With a view to foster and nurture cultural and civilisational linkages, both Sides expressed interest in joint study of common historical heritage and developing the sites existing in India and Kazakhstan to attract tourists.

10. Recalling the discussions that were held during the visit of the Vice President of India to Kazakhstan in April 2008 wherein agriculture was identified as a promising area of cooperation, the two Sides recommended signing of Agreement on Cooperation in Agriculture and Allied Sectors between the relevant Ministries as an important step in this direction. The two Sides would explore the possibility of collaboration in research and development activities and the setting up of a Regional Research and Training facility in Kazakhstan catering to the Central Asian region under the framework of the proposed Agreement.

11. The two Sides also welcomed the signing of the Extradition Treaty which underlined the commitment of the Governments’ law enforcement agencies to develop mutually beneficial cooperation, render required assistance and support to each other.

12. The Sides expressed satisfaction at the diversification of areas of cooperation and noted that cooperation in the fields of Health and Medicine, Science and Technology, Space Activities, Information Technology and Education are actively being pursued.

13. With a view to intensify economic engagement and extend cooperation in areas in which India had gained considerable expertise, the Indian side proposed setting up of a gas based fertilizer plant and establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Kazakhstan. It was recommended that feasibility studies on the two projects by Indian agencies should be undertaken immediately and considered by the two Sides for implementation.

14. The Governments expressed satisfaction at the functioning of the institutional mechanism which have steered bilateral cooperation to desired levels and identify new areas of cooperation. The two Sides appreciated the role of the India-Kazakhstan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical, Industrial and Cultural Cooperation in establishing and enhancing trade and economic cooperation as well as cultural cooperation. It was emphasised that the meetings of Commission and established Joint Working Groups should be held regularly.

15. The two Sides shared the view that relations between the two countries had entered a new phase and a qualitatively higher level. Recognizing the vast array of existing areas of cooperation, including the critical areas of energy and food security and the immense possibilities that existed for their expansion, the two Sides agreed to establish and develop a strategic partnership based on the principles of sovereignty and equality. The strategic partnership foresees comprehensive cooperation in all spheres, including political, economic, science and technology, military and technical cooperation, counter-terrorism mechanism, education and human resources development.

16. The Indian side conveyed that India holds Kazakhstan in high esteem and appreciates the overall development of Kazakhstan in relatively short period of time. The Indian side noted the far-sighted vision and unflinching commitment of His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev in nation-building was largely responsible for the high status of Kazakhstan in the world today.

17. The President of Kazakhstan conveyed that Kazakhstan values highly impressive achievements of the Republic of India in its socio-economic development, active policy in the international arena, facilitating strengthening of peace, stability and mutual understanding between peoples, and its ever-increasing political, economic and scientific potential.

18. The Indian side conveyed appreciation for the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) initiative of His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev which is emerging as an important multilateral forum fostering peace and stability in Asia. The Indian side reiterated India’s commitment to the CICA process. The Kazakh side acknowledged and appreciated the contribution of India in the CICA process.

19. The Indian Side also appreciated other initiatives of Kazakhstan aimed at reinforcing peace, stability and mutual understanding on the Asian Continent. In this context, it was befitting to the status of Kazakhstan to have been elected the Chair the Organisation of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010.

20. The two Sides reiterated their call for strengthening of the UN role in international affairs utilizing the UN framework in maintaining equitable relations among the members of the international community and ensuring stability and security in the world. President Nursultan Nazarbayev reiterated support of Kazakhstan for India’s candidature as Permanent Member of the UN Security Council. The two Sides agreed to mutually support each other’s candidatures in the UN and other multi-lateral fora.

21. India conveyed its support to Kazakhstan candidature for the membership of ASEAN Regional Forum as and when the expansion of membership of the Forum is considered by the member states.

22. The Indian side welcomed the decision of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for an enhanced role for Observers and conveyed that India looked forward to greater participation in the activities of the SCO. In particular, India expressed interest in participating in the activities of the Regional Anti Terrorist Structure (RATS), SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan and SCO Business Council.

23. The two Sides expressed concern over the deterioration of the global financial and economic situation adversely affecting development of national economies. The two Sides agreed that only through coordinated actions of all the members of the international community would it be possible to overcome the world economic crisis.

24. The need for shaping a new global political and economic order based on the mutual respect for interests, display of tolerance for national, religious and cultural traditions of all members of the international community was underlined. It was stressed that a new global order would contribute to enhancing stability and security, achieving universal equality and cooperation in the world.

25. The two Sides expressed satisfaction with the results of the State Visit and concluded that it had contributed positively to the strengthening of the friendly ties between the two countries. The President of India expressed deep appreciation for presence of His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Republic Day celebrations which underlined importance India attached to Kazakhstan, and the Central Asian region. This was truly befitting as India enters the 60th year as a Republic.

26. His Excellency Mr. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, expressed deep gratitude to Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of Republic of India, for the kind reception and warm hospitality extended to him and accompanying delegation.

27. His Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev invited the President of India to visit Kazakhstan at a mutually convenient time. The invitation was accepted with pleasure.

New Delhi
January 24, 2009