Speech by Ambassador at the India-Kazakhstan Defence-Industry Seminar
(Astana, 19 November 2025)

“A Journey Towards Eternal Friendship and Self-Reliance."Forging a Strategic Partnership Defence Industry Collaboration"

Honourable Senior Officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Distinguished Representatives from the Kazakh and Indian Defence Industries,

Excellencies, my colleagues from Embassy, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Al Salam Malik Kum, Salametsiz BE, Namaskar, Vanakum and a very good morning to you all.

On behalf of the Embassy of India in Astana and the Government of India, it is my great honour and privilege to extend a warm welcome to this seminal gathering. “India-Kazakhstan Defence Partnership: A Journey Towards Eternal Friendship and Self-Reliance”.

We are gathered here today not just as representatives of our respective nations and industries, but as partners poised to write a new chapter in our strategic partnership. Therefore, it is a platform of trust to build a safer, stronger, and more self-reliant future for India and Kazakhstan. Our two nations share the belief that peace is best preserved when countries have the capability to defend themselves. Self-reliance in defence is not just an economic goal it is a strategic necessity and a sovereign right.

The relationship between our two countries is deep-rooted, built on a foundation of historical camaraderie, mutual respect, and shared interests. From our ancient cultural links along the Silk Road to our strong contemporary ties, our friendship has consistently grown stronger. Today, we aim to add a significant, robust pillar to this relationship: a vibrant and forward-looking defence industrial partnership.

The theme of this seminar “A Journey Towards Eternal Friendship and Self-Reliance” is both timely and critical. In an increasingly complex global security environment, self-reliance and strategic autonomy in defence are not just desirable, they are essential. For India, this vision is crystallized in our "Atmanirbhar Bharat" or "Self-Reliant India" campaign, which is not about isolation, but about integrating with global supply chains as a confident and capable partner.

Distinguished Guests,

India brings to the table a defence industry that has undergone a remarkable transformation. We have moved from being one of the world's largest importers to a nation that designs, develops, and manufactures a wide array of advanced military hardware. From state-of-the-art Tejas fighter jets and Dhruv advanced light helicopters, to sophisticated radar systems, naval vessels, and a world-class missile programme including the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile, electronics, drones as well as cyber-security solutions, our industry is innovative, competitive, and quality-driven and stands ready to cooperate with kazakh’s industry.

Our private sector, in particular, has emerged as a dynamic force, offering niche technologies, agile manufacturing, and a strong commitment to research and development. They are ready and eager to be reliable partners. Many of them are here today to forge friendship and partnership.

We recognize Kazakhstan not only as a key strategic partner in Central Asia but also as a nation with a proud history, a stable and growing economy, and a clear vision for its future. The modernization goals of the Kazakh Armed Forces and your nation's focus on developing a robust domestic industrial base present a perfect convergence of interests with India's capabilities.

The potential for our collaboration is immense and can be realized through several concrete pathways:

1. Joint Production & Co-Development: We can collaborate to manufacture defence equipment here in Kazakhstan, tailored to the specific requirements of your armed forces. This would enhance Kazakhstan's defence manufacturing capacity, create skilled jobs, and reduce dependency on distant supply chains.
2. Technology Transfer: India is committed to partnerships that are equitable and empowering. We are ready to share technology and expertise, facilitating a true transfer of knowledge that builds long-term capacity for the Kazakh defence industry.
3. Import-Export & Spare Parts Manufacturing:Beyond major platforms, there is significant potential in the trade of components, subsystems, and spare parts. Indian companies can become a dependable source for high-quality, cost-effective solutions to meet the maintenance and operational needs of the Kazakh military.
   
4. Joint R&Dthat combines India’s technological depth with Kazakhstan’s industrial strengths.

The benefits of such a partnership are clear: enhanced security for both our nations, economic growth through industrial cooperation, and the strengthening of the strategic depth of our bilateral relationship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This seminar is not just a talking shop. It is a platform for action. It is a bridge between your requirements and our capabilities. I encourage the Kazakh industry and defence officials to engage openly with your Indian counterparts. Ask them tough questions, explore the possibilities, and challenge them to find solutions together.

To the Indian industry delegates, I urge you to showcase your best, listen to the needs articulated here, and be proactive in proposing viable, win-win partnerships.

The Government of India, through our Embassy, stands fully committed to facilitating this dialogue, addressing challenges, and turning the dialogues and agreements of today into the manufacturing lines of tomorrow.

In conclusion, let us envision a future where defence equipment bearing the mark of "Jointly Produced by India and Kazakhstan" becomes a symbol of our trusted & eternal friendship and shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.

Let us build this future, together. I wish you all very productive and successful deliberations.

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