Around 600 companies with Indian capital operate in Kazakhstan, and in 2025 the republic was visited by about 150,000 Indian citizens. These figures were cited by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to the Akorda press service. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The head of state congratulated Modi on hosting the BRICS summit and noted the organization of the international event. Tokayev also spoke about India's leading positions in the global economy, its scientific and technological achievements, and its authority on the international stage.
"Under your wise and strong leadership, the country is confidently moving along the path of progress and sustainable development," the Kazakh president said.
According to him, relations between the two states are developing across a wide range of areas. In addition to the work of Indian companies and the growth of tourist flows, Tokayev noted the significant number of Indian citizens studying in Kazakhstan and cooperation between the countries in international organizations.
Modi thanked the Kazakh president for participating in the BRICS summit and called his speech substantive and filled with relevant initiatives. The prime minister emphasized that he attaches special importance to friendly and trusting relations with the republic.
The parties discussed cooperation in energy, digitalization, education, and tourism. They paid separate attention to high technologies and creative industries.
According to Modi, interaction between the technological ecosystems of Astana and Hyderabad — Astana Hub and Cyberabad — could become a promising area. He also invited representatives of Kazakhstan, especially young people, to take part in the WAVES creative industries summit, which will be held in Mumbai in 2027.
The leaders considered opportunities for developing cooperation between India and the Eurasian Economic Union. Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan, as chair of the EAEU, welcomes negotiations on creating a free trade zone between the union and India and is ready to help advance them.
At the end of the meeting, the president invited Modi to visit Kazakhstan on a state visit.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that on the sidelines of the BRICS summit Tokayev met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The parties agreed to study the possibility of creating a hub in Kazakhstan for the supply of Ethiopian tea, coffee, and flowers.
After completing his visit to India, the president will travel to Seoul, where he will hold talks with South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung and take part in the first Central Asia — South Korea summit at the level of heads of state. Following the meeting, it is planned to adopt the Seoul Declaration on cooperation in energy, AI, and digitalization.