Interview with H.E. Mr. Askar Zholchubekovich Beshimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kyrgyz Republic to India

Relations between Kyrgyzstan and India

“Education remains one of the strongest pillars of our bilateral relations.”

How would you describe the current state of educational cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and India?

Education remains one of the strongest pillars of our bilateral relations. Today, nearly 20,000 Indian students are studying in Kyrgyzstan, primarily in medical universities. This is a significant people-to-people bridge. We are working to improve the quality of education, strengthen university oversight, and develop joint programmes, including double-degree initiatives in medicine, IT, and mining engineering. Indian students have become an important part of our academic landscape, and we are committed to ensuring they receive quality education in a safe and supportive environment.

In 2026, we have seen increased activity from Indian business delegations to Kyrgyzstan. Which sectors are attracting the greatest interest?

Indian business is showing strong and growing interest in Kyrgyzstan. This year alone, several high-level business delegations visited our country. The most active interest is in the mining sector — particularly gold and critical minerals — as well as hydropower and renewable energy. Indian companies are also exploring opportunities in pharmaceuticals, IT, and agriculture. Kyrgyzstan offers a favourable investment climate, simplified procedures in free economic zones, and rich natural resources. We welcome responsible Indian investors and are ready to support concrete projects.

How do you see the future of Kyrgyz Indian cooperation in education, healthcare, and investment in the coming years?

I am optimistic. The foundation we have built — thousands of Indian students, growing medical cooperation, and active business dialogue — creates a solid base for deeper partnership. In the coming years, I expect more joint educational programmes, expanded medical collaboration, and concrete investment projects in mining and energy. Our relations are pragmatic, dynamic, and future-oriented. We are ready to work together for the benefit of our peoples.

Medical tourism from Kyrgyzstan to India is also growing. What are the main areas of cooperation in healthcare?

Yes, we are seeing steady growth in medical tourism. Kyrgyz citizens increasingly travel to India for advanced treatment in oncology, transplantology, cardiology, and complex surgeries. Indian hospitals offer high-quality care at competitive costs, and we greatly value the professionalism and hospitality of Indian medical institutions. At the same time, we are developing cooperation in the opposite direction — through the exchange of experience, training of Kyrgyz specialists, and potential joint projects in pharmaceuticals and telemedicine.

What message would you like to convey to Indian companies considering investment in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is open for business. We have a stable political environment, improving legislation, and a clear focus on attracting foreign direct investment in mining, hydropower, green energy, and infrastructure. Indian companies bring not only capital but also advanced technologies and management expertise, which are highly valuable to us. We are ready to work together on mutually beneficial projects that will contribute to the economic development of both countries.

“Indian business is showing strong and growing interest in Kyrgyzstan. This year alone, several high-level

business delegations visited our country. The most active interest is in the mining

sector – particularly gold and critical minerals – as well as hydropower and renewable energy.”

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