India is positioning itself as a reliable, long-term partner for Kazakhstan in the defence sector. Opportunities for collaboration are emerging across co-development, co-production, and supply chain integration between Indian and Kazakh defence companies.
Early Steps in Defence Exports
Indian defence exports to Kazakhstan have begun this year, marking initial progress. Officials expect collaboration to expand steadily in the coming years.
Defence Industry Seminar in Astana
The Embassy of India in Astana recently organized a Defence Industry Seminar to create a common platform for Indian and Kazakh defence industries and officials from the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defence.
- Indian Participation: 12 Indian defence companies (public and private) were represented by 18 delegates.
- Kazakh Participation: 40 representatives attended, including officials from the Ministry of Defence, Kazakhstan Engineering, and private defence companies.
- Activities: The seminar included briefings, product displays, capability presentations, and intensive interactions, leading to discussions on potential collaborations and partnerships.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The event highlighted numerous avenues for co-development, technology transfer, and industrial cooperation. The active participation of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defence signaled the country’s strong interest in deepening strategic and defence ties with India.
Keynote Address by Indian Ambassador
Y.K. Sailas Thangal, Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of leveraging these opportunities to foster joint ventures, advanced capabilities, and niche technologies between the two nations.
India’s Defence Industry Today
Over the past decade, India’s defence industry has undergone significant transformation under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Reforms have boosted domestic manufacturing, innovation, startups, and exports. Indian companies now produce a wide range of systems, including land and naval platforms, missiles, electronics, drones, AI, and cybersecurity solutions, offering reliable and cost-effective products.
Strong Indo-Kazakh Defence Ties
Kazakhstan holds a special place in India’s defence cooperation strategy. Bilateral ties have grown steadily, from joint military exercises and high-level dialogues to training programs and capacity building. The goodwill and trust between the two militaries provide a strong foundation for expanding industrial and technological collaboration.
Platform for Future Engagements
The seminar facilitated one-on-one dialogues among industry representatives, paving the way for concrete partnerships. The Indian Embassy plans to make this an annual event to further strengthen military-to-military and industrial cooperation between India and Kazakhstan.
