The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan, on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in Astana.  

In his meeting with President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan on Thursday, the Prime Minister congratulated Kazakhstan for membership of the UN Security Council in 2017-18. President Nazarbayev received the Prime Minister warmly and recalled his earlier visit to Kazakhstan in 2015. Both leaders reviewed progress on decisions and agreements made during that visit. Kazakhstan is currently the largest supplier of uranium to India, and both sides agreed to maintain the partnership. Cooperation in this area of hydrocarbons was also discussed.  

The Prime Minister invited Kazakhstan to become a member of the International Solar Alliance. Both leaders also discussed the importance of enhancing connectivity. In this context, connectivity through the Chabahar port in Iran was also discussed. Two flights connecting Delhi and Astana will be launched soon.  

Prime Minister Modi had a cordial and positive meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today. Prime Minister thanked him for his support to India's accession to the SCO. Both leaders noted that in a multipolar world, and at a time of global uncertainty, India-China relations are a factor of stability, and it is important for both countries to work together. Themes such as trade, investment, connectivity, youth and cultural exchanges came up for discussion.  

The Prime Minister had a warm and productive meeting with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Stronger linkages in the spheres of economy, trade and health came up for discussion. 

 

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APS/SB

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