New Delhi
12 November 2010
Kazakhstan, which will take over the chair of Organisation of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) in 2011, says it will try to "bridge the psychological gaps" between the
international community and the 57 Islamic states that make up the OIC.
Speaking at a discussion at the Observer Research Foundation, a private think tank,
Kazakhstan's ambassador to India Doulat Kuanyshev said it will be his country's
endeavour to project Islam as a modern religion and to suggest that "Islam, progress
and democracy are compatible."
India sees the OIC resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir as interference in its internal
affairs.
The envoy said Kazakhstan is interested in stepping up civil nuclear cooperation and is
willing to consider "cross ownership of uranium production". India and Kazakhstan
signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2009 under which the uranium-rich
Central Asian country will supply atomic fuel to the Indian nuclear power plants.
Kazakhstan would also be keen to participate in Indian infrastructure projects and make
investments in some other sectors.
Besides offering resources such as hydrocarbons and uranium, Kazakhstan can help
India by being a pivot of peace and security in Central Asia. Kazakhstan, in turn, can
benefit from India's technological know-how and its potential as an investment
destination. India can also be a reliable partner in the region and beyond, Mr Kuanyshev
noted.
The India-Kazakhstan inter-governmental commission can be expected to meet in the
new few weeks. On the Indian side, the commission is co-chaired by Union petroleum
and natural gas minister Murli Deora.
The envoy hoped Kazakhstan can host Prime Minister Manmohan Singh next year.
Several framework agreements are likely to be signed during that visit. A framework
cooperation agreement in agriculture is on the anvil.
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