“Kyrgyzstan is becoming an increasingly popular education destination for students from all over the world.”
Indo-Kyrgyz bilateral relations stretch back to over 3 decades with the independence of the country in 1992. How do you look back on these relations?
Our countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. Since then, we have achieved a great breakthrough in the development of bilateral relations between our countries. Today, cooperation between our countries can be characterized as partnership and progressive based on sustainable development and mutual trust. We can say, that intensification and expansion of bilateral cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and India is one of the important parts of the foreign policy of Kyrgyzstan.
Throughout the history of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of India, a number of mutual visits of high and highest levels took place. The presidents of the Kyrgyz Republic visited India in 1992, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2016 and 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Kyrgyzstan twice, in 2015 and in 2019. The visit of Mr. Modi to Kyrgyzstan in 2019 can be considered as a new era in the development of bilateral relations.
One of the main results of the visit is that our countries signed a Declaration on the establishment of bilateral strategic partnership relations.
There are also other platforms between our countries, within which Kyrgyzstan and India interact – these are meetings of intergovernmental commissions and consultations between the foreign ministries, interaction within the framework of the United Nations Organizations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other international structures.
Of course, Kyrgyzstan and India still have a lot to do to strengthen all areas of cooperation, but at the same time I would like to note that our countries have an appropriate attitude for the intensification of bilateral cooperation:
- In August 28-29, 2024 our Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Zheenbek Kulubaev will visit India to participate in the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Central-Asia-India Dialogue
- Also, this year we expect that Summit of the Central-Asia-India Dialogue will be held in India and our President Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov will visit India.
Kyrgyz Republic has been promoted as an attractive investment destination. What are the main investments sectors open for Indian investors?
As representatives of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, we are ready to create the most favorable conditions for running Indian business and Indian projects in the Kyrgyz Republic and provide maximum assistance.
I would like to underline that Kyrgyz Republic proposes very favourable conditions for the effective activity of foreign investors:
Our country has liberal tax regime in the region. Income tax rate only 10 and VAT tax rates is only 12 percent;
- Established businesses and enterprises are exempt from property tax, land tax, income tax and sales tax for 5 years;
- Amendments were made to the “Law on Investments of the Kyrgyz Republic” on the “stabilization regime”. In other words, an investor in the Kyrgyz Republic will be protected even if the amendments to the tax legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic would be made;
- The Institute of Business Ombudsman was created to protect the legitimate interests of entrepreneurs and investors;
- According to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2015 report, the Kyrgyz Republic ranks 9th in the business start-up index. It takes only 2 procedures to open a company in the Kyrgyz Republic within 8 days.
I also would like to emphasize following advantages:
- The lowest cost of electricity in the region, which is only 2 rupees (2 soms 16 tyiyns) for industrial purposes and 0.7 rupees (77 tyiyns) for the population per 1 kWh;
- Highly qualified and educated workforce;
- Favorable geographic location;
- Preferential trade regimes and duty-free access to markets with a population of over 1 billion people from the countries of Central Asia, the CIS, the European Union and WTO members;
- The SWIFT system (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) is successfully operating in Kyrgyzstan. In other words, there are no restrictions on the export of capital abroad.
- Free economic zones in our country provide great opportunities for doing business in the region. FEZ activity also provides a number of advantages, such as: exemption from all taxes, duties and other payments, customs duties on goods, from quotas and licensing. In addition, simplified entry and exit of foreign workers, express check of a business entity and direct access to the necessary infrastructure for work.
Kyrgyzstan is a developing country and consistently carrying out market reforms.
In 1998, Kyrgyzstan joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). This served as a good basis for the development of a legal framework in the field of commercial relations with foreign countries.
In 2015, Kyrgyzstan officially joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with a population of 182 million. Within the EAEU, there is a zone of free movement of goods, services, capital and labor. It means that investing in Kyrgyzstan will provide access to the EAEU market.
In January 2016, the European Union granted Kyrgyzstan the right to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP +). Today, the products of Kyrgyzstan for more than 6,000 commodity items can be imported from Kyrgyzstan to the EU member states without customs duties.
In 2015, the Kyrgyz Republic was first assigned a sovereign credit rating from two reputable rating agencies Moody’s (B2 Stable) and S&P (B Stable). This allows potential investors to more accurately identify opportunities of investing to Kyrgyzstan.
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 operates in Kyrgyzstan in various fields.
It is worth noting that since the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic and to this day, close cooperation has been developing between our countries. Nevertheless, trade and economic relations between Kyrgyzstan and India have a huge untapped potential.
In conclusion I would like to emphasize that the protection of investors is under the personal control of President Mr Sadyr Zhaparov. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic is open to cooperation on all issues of ensuring the security and protection of foreign investors.
India and Kyrgyz Republic have developed close military ties over the years. How is this defence co-operation set to evolve further?
Military cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and India is developing effectively in both bilateral and multilateral formats. Our countries have a common understanding that the UN should play a central role in coordinating the efforts of the international community in the fight against the terrorist threat. Joint military exercises “Kanjar” are held on a regular basis, and we also jointly participate in military exercises through the SCO. Strategic consultations between our countries, as well as a regional dialogue on security issues with the participation of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of our countries, are held on a planned basis.
A mechanism for developing cooperation in this sector has also been established between our parties – meetings of the joint Working Group on Military-Technical Cooperation. First Meeting of JWG was held in July 9, 2024.
Also we have very active cooperation between TNK Dastan and the Indian Navy, which has a long history and is focused on the supply of naval military products. Since 2004, the products of this corporation have been supplied for the needs of the Ministry of Défense of India. Every year, contracts for the supply of products worth tens of millions of dollars are signed between OAO TNK Dastan and the Ministry of Défense of India. USA.
Our long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation in this area has led our countries to the creation of a joint venture. In March 2022, a corresponding agreement was signed between TNC Dastan and Bharat Forge.
Of course, Kyrgyz side is ready to consider other options for further development and strengthening of cooperation in the military-defence sector.
India and Kyrgyz Republic are both an integral part of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation. How can both the countries partner under the SCO banner for mutual benefits?
The Organization was created with the aim of strengthening mutual trust, friendship and good-neighborliness, as well as multifaceted cooperation in maintaining and strengthening peace, security and stability in the region, jointly countering new challenges and threats, encouraging effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, promoting economic growth, social and cultural development.
Today, the SCO has become a universally recognized and authoritative multilateral association, has formed a solid regulatory framework and mechanisms for interaction, and has established partnerships with states, international organizations and structures that share the principles and values of the Organization. The valid principle of mutual trust, equality and respect based on friendship and good-neighborliness in other words “Shanghai Spirit”.
By the “Shanghai Spirit” the Kyrgyz Republic and all SCO member states understand the further development and strengthening of cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, respect for the right to choose the path of political, economic, social and cultural development taking into account the historical experience and national characteristics of each state, promoting inter-civilizational dialogue, common peace, progress and harmony, equal partnership of states, ensuring the progressive growth and prosperity of the Organization.
Concerning our relation in frames of SCO I can say that in the multilateral arena, Kyrgyzstan and India has achieved a good balance, as evidenced by our interactions in the SCO arena. However, the SCO is more multipolar than multilateral because of the ideological position that the SCO took from the very beginning in 1996 as the Shanghai Five and then as the SCO since 2001. India became an observer in 2005 and then a full member in 2017. The multipolarity aspect is important for India also as Minister Jayashankar mentioned that multipolarity at the global level and multipolarity at the Asian level is what India stands.
A famous trading point on the old silk route, Kyrgyzstan has historic trade links with India. Keeping up with the same, which Indian business houses have a presence in the Kyrgyz Republic?
As I have mentioned, today, more than 300 Kyrgyz-Indian joint ventures are currently operating in Kyrgyzstan. Mainly, they operate in pharmaceutical products, coffee, tea, chemical products and other sectors.
In recent years, India has shown high economic growth including on the level of international business. Such prospects open up new business opportunities for our countries. It can be noted that in commercial partnership there is fertile ground for cooperation in the mining, pharmaceutical, IT, textile, education, hydropower, agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors.
Along with political relations, I believe development of business relations and other mutually beneficial forms of cooperation should be the driving force of promoting our bilateral relations. In this regard, it is necessary to focus on encouraging and supporting the development of business relations between Kyrgyzstan and India. In this aspect, the search for finding profitable economic projects seems to be the most promising in relations between our countries. That’s why Embassy making its efforts in this direction.
Embassy maintains good relations with the leading chambers of commerce and economy of India. We are actively participating in events organized by FICCI, PHDCCI, FIEO, CII, ASSOCHAM, IETO and etc. Based on the results of work with the leading Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, agreements were reached on organizing two visits of business delegations at the end of 2021 (FICCI) and the first quarter of 2022 (FIEO).
In addition, as part of the participation in the events, information desks are prepared with presentations on various sectors of the Kyrgyz economy, as well as a summary of investment projects, which are also distributed among the participants. It’s very pleasant to note that there is a high interest of the Indian business community in the field of trade, agricultural products, mining, film industry, tourism and other sectors with the Kyrgyz Republic.
And according to the Open Budget portal information, among Indian companies next 3 companies paid the largest amount of taxes at the end of 2023: Serene Pharma LLC, Austin Kyrgyzstan LLC and SUNMED LTD LLC.
Kyrgyz Republic has emerged as an attractive destination for Indian students wishing to pursue medical courses abroad. What is the major policy framework for such Indian students in terms of visa, scholarship etc.?
Kyrgyzstan is becoming an increasingly popular education destination for students from all over the world. According to the data of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2023 academic year, 71.7 thousand foreign students chose universities in Kyrgyzstan, and this figure continues to grow.
The reasons for the growing popularity of Kyrgyz education for international students are manifold. One of the main factors is the availability of education at a relatively low cost compared to other countries. The quality of education, experienced teachers and unique programs also attract students seeking quality education and broadening their horizons.
The internationalization of higher education in Kyrgyzstan is an important factor contributing to the exchange of cultural values, strengthening friendship and cooperation between countries. Kyrgyzstan, with its unique geographical and cultural environment, offers students not only educational opportunities but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse history, traditions and languages.
With the growing number of international students, Kyrgyz universities are creating a favourable educational environment that encourages the exchange of ideas, cultural values and scientific achievements. This also contributes to the development of the academic sphere and attracts the attention of the international community to the educational resources and potential of Kyrgyzstan.
As for India, today we have about 20 thousand Indian students in Kyrgyzstan. Due to circumstances about 25 thousand Indian students had to come back to India from other countries. Most of them were able to find new place in Medical Universities of Kyrgyzstan. In this context, President of Kyrgyzstan Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov, as a sign of good friendship between Kyrgyz Republic and India promised to Prime-minister Mr. Narendra Modi, that Kyrgyz side will increase the quota for Indian students who need to continue their study.
So, now Kyrgyz side is ready to increase the number of Indian students up to 30 thousand in next few years. As for visa issues, we have e-visa system, so there is no problem for Indian students. Kyrgyz Universities and Colleges usually carry out all the issues in terms of visa, transportation accommodation and etc.
With the growing Indo-Kyrgyz relationship, what are the visa and connectivity protocols for the Indians looking a holiday getaway in Kyrgyzstan?
Taking into consideration the level of our bilateral relations of strategic partnership, the growing trade turnover, people to people contacts the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic has made the following decisions to further liberalize the visa regime.
A visa-free regime for up to 7 days is introduced for citizens of India subject to certain entry conditions into Kyrgyzstan.
In particular, for citizens of India– holders of long-term multiple visas to countries such as the USA, Great Britain and the Schengen zone, a visa-free regime for up to 7 days is provided with the right to re-enter after 21 days from the date of departure from the country.
These measures are aimed at further stimulating tourist flows and improving the investment and business attractiveness of the Kyrgyz Republic.
India and the Kyrgyz Republic have close cultural ties with mutual appreciation of culture of each other. What are the steps undertaken to deepen this shared bond of heritage and culture?
Kyrgyzstan and India are connected by centuries-old history and culture, the long history of our cultural interaction testifies to the deep ties between the peoples of our countries, which are strengthening every year.
An agreement has been reached between the Kyrgyz Republic and India to begin cooperation in the field of preserving cultural heritage, protecting historical and cultural monuments, protected sites, manuscripts, etc. by conducting joint archaeological research.
Mutual Years of Culture also play an important role in strengthening human contacts, spiritual rapprochement and mutual cultural enrichment.
In this context, it is important to improve the mechanism for holding large-scale cultural events, hold Culture Days, film festivals, encourage mutual participation of artistic groups of the two countries in international cultural events held in the Kyrgyz Republic and India, strengthen direct dialogue and exchange between representatives of the arts of the two countries and maintain a high level of cooperation between the countries in the field of culture.
Сivil servants of the Kyrgyz Republic have been regularly trained on the courses of the Indian Technical Cooperation Program (ITEC) and the Cultural Exchange Program (ICCR). It is also necessary to continue the work on expanding cooperation under the technical program ITEC and along the 1CCR line. Every year, about 80 students from Kyrgyzstan arrive for short-term courses (from 2 weeks to 2-3 months) along the Indian cooperation program in the following specialties: management, IT technologies, business and language courses. In this direction, it seems important to increase the efficiency of student recruitment for courses along the ITEC and ICCR lines.
It is important to encourage the development of direct links between sports federations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between them. Actively promote exchanges and cooperation in priority sports, as well as focus on jointly improving the level of sports development in the two countries by sending sports teams from Kyrgyzstan and India to training camps, organizing sports competitions in volleyball, football, boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, etc.
Over the past few years, there has been active cooperation with Indian Bollywood on interaction in the field of cinematography. Various video clips of famous Indian performers were filmed and the filming of the feature film “Torbaaz” with the participation of the popular actor S. Dutt and actress N. Fakhri took place.
India is often visited by children’s ensembles of dancers and komuz players of the Republican educational and methodological center for aesthetic education “Balazhan”, as well as children’s creative groups “Taberik”, “Gauhar”, “Akak”. These ensembles regularly take part in various international festivals, including the International Dance Festival “Udbhav Utsav” in Gwalior, the ethnographic festival “Surajkund Mela”, “Delhi Art Festival”, “Rendezvous” and others.
Designers from Kyrgyzstan enter the Indian market with their products and goods. Kyrgyz folk arts and crafts have taken their special place and become famous thanks to the participation of Kyrgyz designers at fashion shows and cultural festivals in India. Kyrgyz athletes are also active participants in competitions held in India in such sports as wrestling, football, tennis, etc.
Indian athletes have supported our country participate in the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan on permanent basis.
As you see, we can speak endlessly about our cultural ties. So, I just want to confirm that as Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic, I will do all my best to further strengthen relations between our countries.
Would you like to give any message to our Envoy Excellency readers?
First of all let me express our sincere gratitude for the great asset that your magazine is contributing to the development of the relation between Kyrgyz Republic and India.
For modern society, high-quality and timely information is one of the main values. The role of mass media in the life of society is enormous. Magazines, newspapers, popular science and fiction are the main means of storage and transmission from generation to generation of all the achievements of science and culture. For people of all ages, mass media serve as a source of knowledge, help to know and appreciate life, to understand the laws of social relations and natural phenomena. The role of the press is especially great for the formation of social and moral ideals of a person, for his assimilation of the norms of social behavior.
In this context, Envoy Excellency is doing an immense and invaluable job. Your activity and desire to help gives us an incentive to further improve in our work, strives us for new heights and achievements. I am confident that we will have new opportunities ahead of us.
I would like to wish all of you new discoveries, new opportunities, and new achievements. I would also like to wish that the results of our work in the development of bilateral relations between countries would be in benefit of the peoples of all our countries.
As for us, we will definitely continue to work, grow and develop in order to get decent results.
Thank you.