PM Modi, Kyrgyzstan President Zhaparov Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan during a meeting on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The meeting took place as Modi visited Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

Modi and Zhaparov agreed to further enhance economic and commercial cooperation, taking into account the complementarities between the two economies. They also discussed the growing people-to-people relationship between the countries, with student exchanges and cultural collaborations identified as important areas of engagement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the discussions as part of continued efforts to deepen the longstanding partnership.

Modi congratulated Zhaparov on the Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic and noted the significance of the occasion coinciding with the opening of the SCO Summit. He also congratulated the Kyrgyz President for hosting the 26th SCO Summit. Modi highlighted India’s strong participation in SCO meetings held under Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship and linked the engagement to the mutual respect, trust and support that characterise bilateral relations.

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The Prime Minister also thanked Zhaparov for his hospitality and for successfully conducting the SCO Summit. India and Kyrgyzstan have maintained diplomatic relations since 1992, following Kyrgyzstan’s independence, and the relationship has expanded across several areas. According to the MEA, defence, security, trade and investment have emerged as important areas of bilateral engagement in recent years.

The two countries also share concerns over terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking, which have contributed to closer cooperation in security-related areas. The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials. Their participation reflected the wider strategic and diplomatic engagement accompanying the Prime Minister’s visit.

Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday and received a welcome from members of the Indian community in Bishkek. His visit includes participation in the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. The discussions with Zhaparov are expected to support continued efforts to strengthen India-Kyrgyzstan cooperation across economic, cultural, security and people-to-people areas.

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