India, Kazakhstan Boost Defence Ties with Focus on C-UAS Tech & Training

Senior defence officials from India and Kazakhstan held high-level meetings in New Delhi to bolster their strategic partnership. Discussions centered on strengthening defence cooperation, with a specific focus on engaging in niche domains like Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and increasing training exchanges. The Kazakh delegation also met with the Indian Army Chief to explore avenues for deeper engagement between the two armies. This cooperation builds on a long-standing historical relationship and a 2015 agreement on defence and military-technical cooperation.

Key Points: India-Kazakhstan Strengthen Defence Cooperation in Niche Domains

  • Strengthening bilateral defence cooperation
  • Exploring niche domains like C-UAS
  • Enhancing military training exchanges
  • Deepening army-to-army engagement
2 min read

India and Kazakhstan focus on bolstering defence cooperation in niche domains, C-UAS

Top military officials from India and Kazakhstan meet in New Delhi to expand defence partnership, focusing on C-UAS, training, and military exchanges.

"Both sides reaffirmed commitment to expand the partnership through continued and focused engagements. - Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff"

New Delhi, March 25

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit held a meeting with Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan in New Delhi on Wednesday with discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation and exploring new ways to engage in niche domains, C-UAS and training exchanges.

The two sides reaffirmed commitment to expand defence partnership through continued and focused engagements.

"Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, called-on Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, CISC. The interaction focused on strengthening Defence Cooperation and exploring new avenues for engagements in niche domains, C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) and training exchanges. Both sides reaffirmed commitment to expand the partnership through continued and focused engagements," the Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff stated on X.

On Tuesday, Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, with discussions focused on enhancing military exchanges and exploring avenues to deepen engagement between armies of India and Kazakhstan.

"Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan, called on General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS. The interaction 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," Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) posted on X.

Major General Zhazykbayev Shaikh-Khassan also paid homage to the Bravehearts of Indian Armed Forces at the National War Memorial.

Relations between India and Kazakhstan are ancient and historical, dating back to more than 2000 years. India was one of the first nations to recognise the independence of Kazakhstan. Diplomatic ties between India and Kazakhstan were established in 1992. Defence cooperation is an essential pillar of 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 Cooperationʼ 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 Exchage Programme (YEP) between National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the Voenni Kafedra (cadet corps) in Kazakhstan.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I appreciate that he paid homage at the National War Memorial. It shows respect for our armed forces. The historical connection mentioned is fascinating - 2000 years! Hope this partnership brings more than just military tech, maybe cultural and educational exchanges too.
R
Rohit P
Niche domains and C-UAS are the future. Drones are becoming a major threat, from borders to critical infrastructure. If India can become a leader in counter-drone tech through such collaborations, it's a win. Hope our startups in defence tech also get a boost from this.
S
Sarah B
While defence cooperation is important, I hope the focus remains on peaceful applications and regional stability. The article mentions training exchanges and youth programs, which are excellent for building long-term understanding. That's the foundation for real peace.
V
Vikram M
Good step, but these announcements need to translate into concrete action. We have many MoUs that don't go far. The 2015 agreement framework is there - show us the results. What joint exercises have happened? What tech has been shared? The public deserves more transparency.
K
Kavya N
Strengthening ties with Central Asian nations is a smart foreign policy move. It's not just about defence; it's about energy, trade, and countering other influences in the region. The youth exchange program between NCC cadets is a brilliant idea for fostering friendship from a young age.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50