Indian Prime Minister’s Visit To Kyrgyzstan

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being elected for a second term, visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 13 & 14 June. He met with Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov in a bilateral meeting.

The Indian Prime Minister’s meeting with President Jeenbekov can be hailed as special and strategic. President Jeenbekov was one of the leading guests present during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi on 30 May 2019.
During the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Modi along with President Jeenbekov jointly addressed the first India-Kyrgyz Business Forum meeting. It was hailed as successful and significant.

India and Kyrgyzstan give final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty. These would help in creating a proper atmosphere for bilateral trade. The bilateral investment treaty would help in preparing a five-year road map to increase the trade between the two countries. The bilateral trade between India and Kyrgyzstan was US$ 24.98 million in 2016-17. India's exports to Kyrgyzstan were US$ 22.66 million in comparison to Kyrgyz exports to India was around US$ 2.32 million. Both countries realize the need for increasing the volume.  

The two leaders expressed optimism that the Chabahar Port in Iran would be a huge facilitator in increasing trade between New Delhi and Bishkek. The two countries are also working on the International North-South Corridor (INSTC) which could be a game-changer so far as international trade is concerned.   

At the India-Kyrghyz joint forum meeting, Mr. Modi called up Kyrghyz entrepreneurs to explore the huge potentials that India offers. He mentioned that India has “atmosphere, connectivity and business-to-business exchange” , these the Indian Prime Minister termed as the three catalysts to boost bilateral trade.                      

Prime Minister said, India can invest in Kyrgyzstan in the organic products sector, mountain honey, walnuts, dairy products, textiles, railways, hydro-power, mining and mineral explorations. The Indian Prime Minister invited Kyrgyz businessmen to invest in India which is a growing market for the Central Asian country. India offers a skilled workforce, ease of doing business and avoidance of double taxation besides excellent connectivity for trade and investment to prosper. Mr. Modi also expressed confidence of India becoming a five trillion dollar economy in the next five years. Focus was on youth and innovators which will help India reach its goal of five trillion dollar.

According to the Indian Prime Minister, growth in economic status and technological advancement in India will help in development of Kyrgyzstan too. Hence, India’s “five year plan” with Kyrgyzstan will also be a part of India’s five trillion dollar economy and would be helpful in mutual benefit and growth for both the countries.

India shares goodwill with all the five Central Asian countries and wants these countries to be a part of its growth through bilateral trade and investment. Importance of Central Asia for India was clear when Prime Minister Modi spoke about a 'Namaskar Eurasia' trade fair which will be organised in Bishkek this year. This fair will boost business-to-business meetings between India and Central Asia. These five countries, including Kyrgyzstan, membership in the Eurasian Economic Union is important for India.  

India and Kyrgyzstan signed 15 agreements in defence, trade and investment and health. A joint declaration between the two countries on strategic partnership was also signed. India also announced a line of credit of US$ 200 million for supporting developmental projects in Kyrgyzstan. The two countries agreed to celebrate 2021 as the year of cultural and friendship.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to Kyrgyzstan was successful and fruitful. It will be important for both the countries to implement all the agreements they had during the meeting. 

Script: Dr. Indrani Talukdar, Strategic Analyst On Russia & Cis


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