India eyes oil fields in Kazakhstan

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) Continuing its efforts to secure energy sources to sustain high growth, India has sought participation in exploration and production of oil and gas in the Central Asian state of Kazakhstan.

While assuring India's willingness to collaborate with Kazakhstan in setting up industrial clusters in textiles as also in areas of hi-technology and financial services, Minister of State for Industry Ashwani Kumar said participation of Indian oil and gas companies will be mutually beneficial for the two countries.

During a meeting with Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin in Almaty, Kazakhstan yesterday, he assured of India's willingness to collaborate with the Central Asian country to share its experiences in building strong and vibrant industrial clusters.

Highlighting the country's need for energy security in view of its dependence on oil and gas imports, Mr Kumar said, ''Participation of Indian oil and natural gas companies in Kazakhstan would be a win-win situation for both Kazakhstan and India.'' Complimenting the Kazakh government for strong economic growth in the recent years, Mr Kumar expressed hope that Kazakhstan will play a significant role in bringing peace, stability and prosperity to Central Asia.

Ms Zhanar Aitzhanova, Kazakhstan Deputy Minister of industry and trade and chief negotiator on WTO issues, urged the Indian minister to expedite signing of protocol to help the Central Asian country become a member of the world trade body. She reminded him of India's support pledged by his senior colleague Kamal Nath.

To this Mr Kumar said, ''India fully supports Kazakhstan's accession to the WTO. I hope that not only would outstanding issues be resolved but the bilateral relations also be further strengthened during the forthcoming bilateral meeting between India and Kazakhstan.'' UNI