Indian Council of World Affairs

Dear Participants,

As a representative of Kyrgyz Mission in India, let me tell a few words about bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and India

Since the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic and to this day, close cooperation has been developing between our countries. Kyrgyzstan and India are united by an ancient, rich history and traditional values.

In Kyrgyzstan, we know a lot about India, Kyrgyzstanis love Indian cuisine, watch Indian films, more than 16000 students from India are studying in Kyrgyzstan.

It is gratifying to note that after the implementing the electronic visa system in Kyrgyzstan, the number of tourists from India to the Kyrgyz Republic increased 15 times. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic influenced badly, but today we are returning to previous indicators.

There is high political trust between our countries, supported by mutual visits at the highest and high levels on an ongoing basis. During the visit of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Nareandra Modi in 2019 to Kyrgyzstan, bilateral relations between our countries moved to a new stage - the level of strategic partnership.

The Bilateral Investment Agreement between the Kyrgyz Republic and India and the amendments to the Agreement on the avoidance of double taxation signed during this visit allow representatives of the business community of the two countries to successfully develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

On October 14, 1992, the Kyrgyz-Indian intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation was established. Nevertheless, trade and economic relations between Kyrgyzstan and India have a huge untapped potential.

We are very positive and optimistic about further strengthening trade and economic ties with India. The annual growth in trade between India and the Kyrgyz Republic also contributes to mutual interest. The market of the Kyrgyz Republic is becoming attractive to Indian investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen from year to year. Today, more than 300 companies with the participation of the Indian side operate in Kyrgyzstan in various fields.

And in this direction between our countries there are all opportunities for development, first of all, mutually beneficial cooperation. Successfully operating and developing joint ventures and Indian enterprises in the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of agriculture, medicine, tourism are a vivid example.

Only in recent years, the Indian restaurant "Salam Namaste" was opened by the Indian company "ADM Hospitality & Services LTD" in Bishkek, the construction of the hotel "Altyn Taj" on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in the village of Kaji-Sai was completed by the Indian company " RK Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd, a gypsum plant is successfully operating in the Aksu district of the Issyk-Kul region, a number of other projects are implementing.

At the same time, I must point out that despite the positive dynamics of increasing bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, there are some constraining factors. First of all, this is the lack of good perspective transport logistics. Developed transport logistics is one of the most important factors in increasing the trade level between the Central Asia and India.

In this context, due to factors of some obstacles on developing land transport logistics between India and Central Asia, the development of air traffic shows its great effectiveness.

That’s why resumed regular flights on the Bishkek-Delhi-Bishkek route. The flight time between the capitals of our countries takes only 2 and a half hours. Also, we are planning to start flights on route Bishkek - Mumbai - Bishkek and Bishkek-Goa-Bishkek

Dear participants,

In the beginning of this year very important event was organized. The Summit of Central Asia – India Dialogue.

During Summit leaders of our countries agreed to establish four pillars at the level of ministers of foreign affairs, trade and communications, culture and tourism, as well as defense and security. Also working groups on Chabahar and Afghanistan was created. 

During the summit, the Prime Minister of India made a very important statement. He noted that India is ready to raise the level of bilateral cooperation with the countries of Central Asia to a new, higher level.

We take this as a very positive signal for further decisive action to strengthen our relations in all sectors.

Right now, we actively working on the implementation of the tasks given by our leaders. The first meeting Security council Secretaries was held in India on 6 of December. In the first quarter of next year, we are planning to organize meeting of ministers of foreign affairs, trade and communications, culture and tourism.

Also, its should be noted that India took chairmanship in Shanghai cooperation organization. In the frames of chairmanship, a lot ministerial meetings are planned. Ministers of Foreign affairs, Security council secretaries, Ministers of Defense and other ministers of central asia will visit India in first half of next year. And of course, the leaders of SCO countries will participate in SCO Summit. 

All this will give a great impetus not only to development of our relations in the frames of multilateral relations, but also will improve our bilateral relations.

*****