Envoy says civil nuclear energy cooperation presents attractive prospects for Kazakh-India ties

Civil nuclear energy cooperation presents attractive prospects for further diversifying bilateral economic and commercial contacts, Kazakhstan's Ambassador to India, Doulat Kuanyshev has said.

In an article for the Astana Times, Ambassador Kuanyshev says that Kazakhstan has actively supported India for an unconditional waiver for international commerce in civil nuclear energy since 2009, both at the negotiations at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He also reveals that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Astana in April 2011 provided the much needed impetus to bilateral relations.

"One of the most significant achievements of Prime Minister Singh's visit was the signing of an agreement for cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy. It provides a legal framework for cooperation in fuel supply, nuclear medicine, use of radiation technologies for healthcare, including isotopes, reactor safety mechanisms, exchange of scientific and research information, exploration and joint mining of uranium, design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants," he says.

However, he points out that the agreement needs to be viewed in the context of India's growing energy demands.

According to India's 12th Five Year Plan, nuclear power will play a major role in meeting India's energy needs.

"The country needs an additional 100,000 MW of power during the 12th Plan (2012-17)," he says in his article.

In the area of space, he says that there is an informed view that the needs and demands of Kazakhstan and the expertise and capabilities of India are complementary to each other.

"Manufacturing and launching of satellites as well as utilizing remote sensing technology for improving the living conditions of the people through uses like telemedicine, geo-prospecting and others. can be harnessed to mutual advantage," he says.

He also praises the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme for its role in enhancing the knowledge and upgrading the skills of Kazakhstan officials and entrepreneurs through training programmes in India.

Tourism is another area which presents immense possibilities.

"We have daily flights between Almaty and New Delhi and several more connecting the two countries are pending. India has a rich and enterprising middle class estimated in the range of 50 to 300 million people. These people are prosperous and want to travel to other countries and experience different cultures and cuisines," he says.

"Today, the tourism industry in Kazakhstan is entering a new phase of its development. The simplification of visa procedures, the build-up of the hospitality industry, and many other issues are on the agenda. A bilateral inter-governmental agreement on simplifying the issuance of visas for some categories of citizens is under the consideration by relevant authorities of two countries," he adds.