Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Strategic Partnership between India and the Kyrgyz Republic during their meeting on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek.

Both leaders agreed to enhance economic and commercial cooperation by leveraging complementarities between the two economies. They also emphasised expanding people-to-people ties through increased student exchanges and cultural collaborations.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Zhaparov on the Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic, noting that the national celebration added special significance to the opening of the SCO Summit. He commended the Kyrgyz President for successfully hosting the summit.

Highlighting India’s active participation in SCO meetings under Kyrgyz chairmanship, Prime Minister Modi stated that this involvement reflects mutual respect, trust and support that define the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

Expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Indian delegation, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Zhaparov for his leadership in conducting the summit.

Reflecting on the bilateral meeting, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Kyrgyz Republic relations, reaffirming close and longstanding ties.

They agreed to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership, including economic and commercial cooperation. Prime Minister Modi also congratulated President Zhaparov on successful chairship of the SCO for the 2025–26 term.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at long-standing peace and stability in West Asia amid ongoing tensions.

He also held a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across defence, economics, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the invitation of President Zhaparov.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday to participate in the SCO Summit, marking the second leg of his two-country visit after concluding his state visit to Uzbekistan. His arrival in the Kyrgyz capital was at the invitation of President Zhaparov.

The 26th SCO Summit brings together leaders of member states to deliberate on regional and international issues and explore ways to strengthen cooperation within the grouping.

India’s participation is expected to further deepen its engagement with the SCO and Central Asian partners as the organisation marks 25 years of its existence.

ANI