Kazakh embassy celebrates armed forces day

New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Kazakhstan and India share centuries-old historic ties and there was a need to further promote the cooperation, a top Indain intelligence officer has said here.

The remarks from Lt. Gen. S. Langer, chief of India's Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), came during an event hosted by the Kazakh embassy to celebrate the Central Asian country's 20th Armed Forces Day.

Kazakhstan celebrated the event with President Nursultan Nazarbayev lauding their dedication and service to the Central Asian country.

As part of the celebration, the Kazakh embassy held a ceremony in New Delhi attended by the envoy.

'Kazakhstan and India share centuries of history and cultural association,' Langer said at the event.

He said recorded history, linkages have been found between the traders and the products of Kazakhstan and ancient Indian civilizations.

'In fact in military terms, the first double edged curved swords, that made their appearance in north India are supposed to have origins in Kazakhstan,' he said.

'A large amount of the unique Kazakh horse breeds have been imported into India over the centuries. From the spread of Buddhism to the establishment of Delhi sultanate in 12th century and Mughal empire in India, there have been unique connections between our people, culture, arts and indeed exchange of knowledge.'

Langer was the chief guest at the event that was also attended by officials from the Indian defence and external affairs ministries, and heads of diplomatic missions.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India D. Kuanyshev stressed that the celebration of the armed forces of Kazakhstan coincided with the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and India.

He noted the important role of the armed forces of the Central Asian country in ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country.