“Relations between Kyrgyzstan and India are experiencing a period of dynamic strategic partnership.”
How would you characterize the current state of bilateral relations between Kyrgyzstan and India?
Relations between Kyrgyzstan and India are experiencing a period of dynamic strategic partnership. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, our countries have strengthened cooperation in politics, economics, security, and culture. India consistently supports Kyrgyzstan’s sovereignty, and we support its position on Kashmir and UN reform. Economic ties, while modest, are complemented by growing engagement in education (around 20,000 Indian students in the Kyrgyz Republic) and security within the SCO framework. High-level visits, such as Prime Minister Modi’s two visits (2015, 2019), laid the groundwork for the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership.
I would like to note that the intensification and expansion of bilateral cooperation between our countries is one of the important directions of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy. Furthermore, bilateral cooperation is characterized by mutual understanding and proximity of positions on international and regional issues and problems. The active political dialogue between Kyrgyzstan and India creates favorable conditions for deepening and expanding the full spectrum of cooperation.
What are the key outcomes of the visit of Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeenbek Kulubaev, to India (June 5–7, 2025)?
Minister Kulubaev’s visit served as a catalyst for deepening economic integration. It is important to highlight the key achievements reached during the visit:
- Signing the Protocol on the exchange of ratification instruments for the Bilateral Investment Agreement (2019), which has now entered into force. This creates legal guarantees for investors.
- A Program of Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for 2025–2027, focusing on security, trade-economic cooperation, and cooperation in pharmaceuticals, ICT, and banking services.
- Negotiations on direct bank correspondent relations to simplify settlements and support joint projects in mining and IT.
What is India’s role in supporting Kyrgyzstan in the UN Security Council (2027)?
As a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 2027, Kyrgyzstan will advocate for the sustainable development and security of Central Asia. India, with its authority at the UN and experience in reforming international institutions, is our natural ally. We value its support for our election and hope for cooperation in:
- Combating transnational threats (terrorism, drug trafficking), where we have joint initiatives within the SCO.
- Promoting the climate agenda, especially in protecting mountain ecosystems.
- Establishing a working group on UNSC reform to enhance the role of developing countries.
What measures are being taken to ensure the quality of education and well-being of Indian students in Kyrgyzstan?
Indian students are a vital bridge between our countries (around 20,000 students in 2024). To support them, we are implementing:
- Strict control over the licensing of medical universities, with the revocation of accreditation for violators.
- Legal assistance, emergency contacts, and adaptation programs.
- The issue of a simplified 7-day visa-free regime for parents visiting students is being worked on.
Is an expansion of academic cooperation planned?
Yes, we are working jointly in this direction and expect good results in the near future, primarily:
- We plan to develop and approve joint double degree programs with universities in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bishkek in IT, medicine, and mining.
- Establish a Center for Kyrgyz-Indian Educational Innovation in Bishkek on the basis of an IT park, where Indian experts will teach IT development.
- Work on allocating grants for researchers to study the shared heritage of the Great Silk Road (archaeology, linguistics).
What initiatives are developing tourism for Indian travelers?
First and foremost, Kyrgyzstan is focusing on niche formats such as:
- “Great Silk Road 2.0” – a tour of historical routes (Osh, Uzgen) with digital guides in Hindi.
- Ecotourism in the Tien Shan mountains and at Issyk-Kul with infrastructure for yoga and Ayurvedic retreats.
- Simplified visa conditions: visa-free for 7 days for holders of valid US/UK/Schengen visas. We plan to launch a pilot project for visa-free group tours in 2026.
Tell us about cultural initiatives.
Culture is the “soft power” of our relations:
- I can highlight, for example, events such as the “Indian Cinema in Kyrgyzstan” festival and reciprocal festivals of Kyrgyz folklore in Delhi, which are very popular among the general public of both countries.
- The photo exhibition “Two Countries — One Beauty” with works by Raghu Rai (India) and Aliya Tokombaeva (Kyrgyz Republic), showing the parallels between the Himalayas and the Tien Shan.
- Buddhist tours to the shrines of Cholpon-Ata and Suyab with the participation of the Tawang Monastery are popular.
- Overall, the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between our countries is one of the important areas of bilateral cooperation. Kyrgyzstan and India are connected by centuries of shared history and culture; the long history of our cultural interaction testifies to the deep ties between our peoples, which are strengthening every year.
- I would like to particularly emphasize that Indian culture, art, cuisine, history, as well as Indian cinema are very popular among the Kyrgyz people. One could even say an entire generation of Kyrgyzstanis grew up on Indian films. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan gladly come to India to participate in various cultural festivals.
- Of course, Kyrgyzstan and India still have much to do to strengthen all areas of cooperation, but I would like to note that our countries have the appropriate mindset, which, I am confident, will provide the necessary impetus for deepening the partnership.
Which sectors in Kyrgyzstan are promising for startups?
Separately, I would like to touch upon interaction in the trade-economic sphere, in which… I want to highlight 5 investment areas for Indian startups that are the most promising at the moment:
- Potential – 20% of all deals; leader in investment volume (50%); existing incentives – grants up to $50,000, 3-year tax holidays;
- Green Energy. Hydro and solar projects (e.g., Solar Park in Osh), VAT exemption on equipment;
- Fruit processing (up to 30% crop loss due to logistics), subsidies up to 40% for factory construction;
- Tourism (Digital). VR tours, yurt booking platforms, eco-routes, preferential loans at 8% per annum;
- Growing demand for digital payments (cash share – 74%), registration in a FEZ within 3 days.
These are only the most promising ones today. At the same time, there is fertile ground for cooperation in such industries as: mining, pharmaceuticals, IT, textiles, education, hydropower, agriculture, industry, and tourism development.
Is a simplification of the visa regime planned?
Measures are already in effect: Visa-free travel for 7 days for Indian citizens with valid US/UK/Schengen visas, e-visas for IT specialists (valid for 1 year, multiple entry).
An “Investor Business Card” is also available for owners of shares from $100,000 in Kyrgyz companies (3-year residence permit).
Your message to the readers of the magazine?
Dear friends! Our peoples are connected by the centuries-old friendship of the Great Silk Road.
Today, Kyrgyzstan offers India unique opportunities: from investments in the “green” economy to academic discoveries. Come to our country – study on the shores of Issyk-Kul, invest in IT startups in Bishkek, meditate in the Ala-Too mountains. As our proverb says: “Joldoshjok jol kyzykemes” – “Without a companion, even the journey is not enjoyable.” May India and Kyrgyzstan walk this path together!
Thank you for your attention.