Indian Ambassador Emphasizes Promising Collaborations in IT, Digitalization, and Healthcare
India and Kazakhstan are set to expand their partnerships in key fields including information technologies (IT), digitalization, healthcare, tourism, and education, as highlighted by the Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, TV Nagendra Prasad.
In an interview with The Astana Times, Ambassador Prasad emphasized that trade and investment, cultural ties, and educational exchanges are crucial for the future of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He also underscored the strategic importance of the Central Asian region for India, citing historical linkages and the region’s significance for security, connectivity, and trade and economic relations.
The ambassador pointed out that the Central Asian region, particularly Kazakhstan, holds enormous potential for partnership with India across various sectors. With Kazakhstan being India’s largest trade and investment partner in Central Asia, there is a need to further realize the untapped trade potential between the two countries.
In terms of investment, Prasad highlighted the flow of foreign direct investment from India to Kazakhstan and the opportunities for Indian companies to explore areas such as renewable energy, construction, engineering, metals and mining, infrastructure projects, and healthcare services.
Furthermore, the ambassador emphasized the potential for cooperation in the IT sector and digitalization, with both countries having strong IT infrastructure, talented IT specialists, and a growing startup ecosystem. There is also a growing interest in tourism, with Indian visitors ranking among the top five visitor groups to Kazakhstan in 2023, and efforts being made to ease visa requirements and enhance air connectivity between the two countries.
Cultural ties and educational exchanges are also on the rise, with the establishment of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Kazakhstan and the signing of the India-Kazakhstan Cultural Exchange Program. Additionally, Indian students are studying in Kazakh medical universities, contributing to strengthening educational bonds between the two countries.
In summary, the partnership between India and Kazakhstan is growing across multiple sectors, providing opportunities for mutual economic development, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. With the commitment of both countries to further enhance their bilateral relations, the future looks promising for deeper collaboration.
