Pranab Mukherjee takes command, receives Nazarbayev

New Delhi, Jan 24 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee took command of the protocol duties in the absence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is undergoing a bypass surgery.

Mukherjee along with President Pratibha Patil, received Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev at a ceremonial reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Pranab informed Nazarbayev of Singh's ill health while receiving him.

After receiving a tri-service guard of honour, the Kazakh Prasident was introduced to the Union Cabinet ministers who were also present at the welcome ceremony.

Nazarbayev is on a four-day visit to India, where he is expected to hold talks on 'civil nuclear agreement' and a few other pacts between the two countries.

The External Affairs Minister will carry out the delegation level talks at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Mukherjee will also preside over the cabinet meetings till the Prime Minister resumes office. (ANI)