New Delhi, March 25 – Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit met with Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, in New Delhi on Wednesday. The discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation and exploring new ways to engage in niche areas, such as C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) and training exchanges.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the defence partnership through continued and focused engagement.
"Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, CISC. The discussion focused on strengthening Defence Cooperation and exploring new avenues for engagement in niche areas, including C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) and training exchanges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the partnership through continued and focused engagement," the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff stated on X.
On Tuesday, Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan also met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, with discussions focused on enhancing military exchanges and exploring avenues to deepen engagement between the Indian and Kazakh armies.
"Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, met with General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation, enhancing military exchanges and exploring avenues for deeper engagement between the two armies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding professional collaboration and mutual understanding," the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army posted on X.
Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan also paid tribute to the Bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial.
Relations between India and Kazakhstan are ancient and historical, dating back over 2000 years. India was one of the first nations to recognize the independence of Kazakhstan. Diplomatic ties between India and Kazakhstan were established in 1992. Defence cooperation is a key element of the India-Kazakhstan strategic partnership.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Indo-Kazakh Defence Cooperation is carried out under the framework of an agreement on 'Defence and Military Technical Cooperation' signed in 2015. Bilateral defence cooperation comprises military-technical cooperation, military education and training, joint exercises, bilateral visits, joint sports and adventure activities, and a Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the Voenni Kafedra (cadet corps) in Kazakhstan.