Modi invites Kazakhstan to ‘Make in India’

Astana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged Kazakhstan to participate in India's "Make in India" initiative, Smart Cities and urban infrastructure programme to create a win-win partnership.

Addressing CEOs of both countries at a business meet, Modi also praised Kazakhstan's development and progress.

He said Kazakhstan, despite being landlocked, has moved forward in development, which needs to be admired and praised.

Citing the Satpayev oil block, in which India's OVL is participating, Modi said the oil block began exploratory drilling on Tuesday.

He proposed that Indian oil firms could invest with new technologies in Kazakhstan's vast energy sector.

Modi also proposed cooperation in agriculture and milk production.

He said the "Make in India" initiative meshes perfectly well with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's "Nurly Zhol" programme.

"I invite you to Make in India. You have the raw materials and we have the youth who can contribute. We can cooperate in this sector," Modi said.

He also invited Kazakhstan to participate in modernisation of the Indian Railways in which 100 percent FDI is allowed.

"Smart cities, modernising towns, urban infrastructure are all sectors in which Kazakhstan can participate," he said.

"The more our cooperation increases, the more it will be beneficial for our nations," the Indian prime minister said.

"Space, cyber security, health, infrastructure… these are sectors in which we can work together. We have taken up a mission of smart cities. This will interest those working on urban areas and infrastructure," he said.