The central Asian country will supply 2,100 tons of uranium to India by 2014 and ONGC Videsh will buy a 25 percent stake in the Satpayev exploration block in the hydrocarbon-rich region of the Caspian Sea area.
According to AIR the two sides are also to strengthen ties in a range of other fields and signed 8 agreements Saturday after talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Kazakhstan President Nazarbayev here . These include pharmaceuticals, IT, Mining, Fertilizer, Science and technology, Cyber security, Mutual legal assistance and cooperation in agriculture, Healthcare, medical services. They will also cooperate in establishing research and medical institutes.
According to the agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, a legal framework will be formed for mutually beneficial cooperation in fuel supply, nuclear medicine, use of radiation technologies for healthcare including isotopes and reactor safety mechanisms. There will be exchange of scientific and research information, exploration and joint mining of uranium, design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
The 1,800 crore rupees pact signed by Videsh ONGC will covers an area of nearly 1,500 sq. km for exploration in a highly prospective region of the North Caspian Sea in close proximity to major discoveries .
In their statements after the talks the prime Minister and the Kazak President renewed their pledge to strengthen strategic partnership further. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the two countries have decided to diversify cooperation in several areas. He conveyed India’s interest to the Kazak president that the New Delhi is interested to benefit from the customs union between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. Dr. Singh described Nazabavey visit to India in 2009 as land mark event, which paved the way for intensification of ties between the two countries. The two leaders reviewed the developments in the region and agreed to improve land connectivity. This they said will become the vehicle of integration and prosperity between the two countries. The President Nazabavey in his remarks said much more needs to be done to realize the full potential of business between the two countries. He reaffirmed his support for India for permanent membership of UN Security Council.
A joint statement issued after the talks said the two countries decided to establish cooperation between space organizations of the two countries. They reviewed the situation in Afghanistan and maintained that International Terrorism is serious threat to peace and security. They emphasized the need to strengthen the UN roll in international affairs. India renewed its support for Kazakhstan for non-permanent membership of Un Security council.
The Prime Minister is leaving Asthana shortly for New Delhi wrapping his five days visit to China and Kazakhstan.
Xx