Opening Remarks by Ambassador Seminar on “India–Kazakhstan: Forging Partnership in the age of Disruptions”

(Almaty, 13 November 2025)

Distinguished scholars, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning, Al Salam Malik Kum, Salemetsiz be and Namaskar.

It is my great privilege to welcome you to today’s seminar on “India and Kazakhstan: Forging Partnerships in the Age of Disruptions”, jointly organized by the Embassy of India and our valued partner, Narxoz University and Heartland Expert Analytical Centre, here in the beautiful city of Almaty.

We are honoured to have with us an exceptional audience of strategic thinkers, diplomats, academics, policy makers, foreign policy practitioners and students from both India and Kazakhstan. Your presence underscores the importance we collectively attach to deepening our understanding of each other and advancing our bilateral relationship.

We gather today at a time when the world is witnessing unprecedented transformations, technological shifts, global realignments, economic uncertainties, geopolitical conflicts and environmental challenges. These disruptions whether geopolitical conflicts, economic, technological, or environmental are no longer exceptions but are day-to- day’s reality reshaping and redefining the global order as well as dictating the way nations behave, engage and cooperate with one another. In this evolving world, India and Kazakhstan stand as important partners in Central and South Asia, connected not only by geography but also by shared aspirations for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

This changed environment presents new opportunities for India and Kazakhstan to collaborate more closely in navigating this changing landscape. India and Kazakhstan share a deep and time-tested partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and convergence of interests. Our cooperation spans across a wide spectrum from energy and connectivity to health, education, space, and culture. What makes this relationship even more meaningful is the growing engagement between our academic institutions and think tanks, which brings intellectual depth and fresh perspectives to our bilateral discourse.

Today’s seminar provides an excellent platform to reflect on the key areas:

First, Strategic & Political cooperation in a shifting geopolitical landscape,

Second, Security & Counter-terrorism in the age of digital governance & AI. Here I would like to underscore that India’s policy on Counter-terrorism is anchored in the principle of zero tolerance toward terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. India has strengthened its counterterrorism architecture through robust legal frameworks such as Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, NIA Act, PMLA and institutions such as NIA and the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).  Internationally, India plays a proactive role in the United Nations Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC), Financial Action Task Force, and the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). India strongly believes that terrorism is a crime against humanity and must be confronted collectively through international solidarity.

And third, Economic and connectivity opportunities, including energy, critical minerals, and digital innovation, and

People-to-people linkages, the foundation of our friendship spanning culture, education, and civilizational ties.

Excellencies, your insights and analyses on the apt topic will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of how our two countries can work together to turn these challenges into opportunities in technology, trade, connectivity, and sustainable development. Both our nations have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating a complex global environment, and this seminar provides an ideal platform to reflect upon these shared experiences.

Therefore, this seminar could not have been more timely. It offers a platform for our distinguished scholars and practitioners of foreign policies to reflect on how India and Kazakhstan can collectively strengthen their resilience, foster innovation, and work together to ensure sustainable growth and regional stability in these disruptive times.

I would like to thank our Kazakh partners Narxoz University for their excellent collaboration in organizing this event and express my appreciation to all the participants, especially the speakers who have joined us today. I am confident that the insights and ideas that emerge from today’s deliberations will help chart a stronger, forward-looking partnership between India and Kazakhstan in the midst of the global uncertainties with confidence, creativity, and mutual trust. .

With this, I once again welcome you all and wish the seminar great success.

Thank you Khop Rahmeit.

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