S Jaishankar Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Astana and Meets Russian and Kazakh Leaders

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Pushkin Park in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Wednesday. He paid tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by members of the Indian community and friends of India. Jaishankar shared pictures of the event on X, stating, “Paid homage at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Pushkin Park in Astana today. Joined by members of the Indian community and friends of India.”

Earlier, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting. They discussed various issues, including the safety of Indian nationals in the war zone in Russia. Jaishankar emphasized the need for their safe and quick return.

Jaishankar arrived in Astana to represent India at the SCO Summit, which is being held under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship. He was welcomed by Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev at the airport. Jaishankar also met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to discuss expanding strategic partnerships and India’s engagement with Central Asia. They exchanged views on regional and global issues.

The SCO Summit will be held on July 3-4, 2024, under the presidency of Kazakhstan.