Pranab performs PM's role, receives Kazakhstan Prez

New Delhi, Jan 24: Pranab Mukherjee performed his first protocol duties of Prime Minister on Saturday, Jan 24, as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh underwent a bypass surgery. External Affairs Minister, Pranab received Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapathi Bahavan in New Delhi.

President of India Prathibha Patil also joined Pranab Mukherjee to welcome the Kazakhstan President. “Our prime minister is indisposed, hence I am receiving you," Mukherjee, the senior most minister in the Union cabinet told the Kazakh President while greeting him.

After Nazarbayev inspected the tri-services Guard of Honour, Mukherjee introduced to him cabinet ministers who had assembled there for the ceremonial welcome.

These duties are actually carried out by the Prime Minister.

OneIndia News (With inputs from agencies)