Historically, India has had close contacts with Central Asia, especially countries which were part of the ancient Silk Route, including Kyrgyz Republic. During the Soviet era, India and the then Kyrgyz Republic had limited political, economic and cultural contacts. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Bishkek and Issyk-Kul Lake in 1985. After the independence of Kyrgyz Republic on 31 August, 1991, India was among the first to establish diplomatic relations on 18 March 1992; and the resident Mission of India was set up on 23 May 1994.
Political Relations
- Political ties with the Kyrgyz Republic have been traditionally warm and friendly.
- Kyrgyzstan supported India in securing full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and also supports India’s bid for permanent membership at UNSC.
- Both countries share common concerns on threat of terrorism, extremism and drug– trafficking.
- Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, the two countries have signed several framework agreements, including on Culture, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Consular Convention
Assistance by Government of India.
- Government of India contributed US $ 2 million to Kyrgyzstan for holding SCO Summit in Bishkek in June 2019.
- IT center at Kyrgyz State University of Construction, Transportation and Architecture, Bishkek; Potato processing plant at Talas; language laboratory at the Diplomatic Academy, Bishkek; tele-medicine links connecting six hospitals in Kyrgyzstan, Bhabhatron-II equipment and Imaging simulator for treating cancer patients are some examples of the technical assistance provided to the Kyrgyz side.
ITEC.
- Technical assistance under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, particularly in terms of human resources development, is the cornerstone of India’s economic involvement in Kyrgyzstan.
- More than 1274 professionals from Kyrgyzstan have received training in India since 1992. 80 ITEC slots were sanctioned for 2019-2020.
Commercial Relations
- India-Kyrgyz Republic bilateral trade during 2018-2019 was US $ 32.60 million.
- India’s exports to the Kyrgyz Republic was US $ 30.02 million , while Kyrgyz exports to India was US $ 2.59 million.
- Indian exports registered a growth of 8.75% on an year to year basis.
- Kyrgyz Republic’s share in India’s total global exports was 0.01%.
- India’s exports to Kyrgyz Republic among others comprise of readymade garments and textile products, pharmaceutical products, agrofood products (tea, coffee and spices),essential oils and cosmetics, perfumery, electric machines, footwear, ferrous and non ferrous metals.
- Kyrgyz Republic exports to India includes agrofood products(fruits and nuts), raw hides and skins, woolen products etc.
- There are around 20 Indian companies in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- There has been increasing interest among Indian entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities with the Kyrgyz Republic in sectors such as mining, agrofood, pharmaceuticals, textiles, gems and jewellery, IT etc
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kyrgyz Republic on an official visit from 13-14, June 2019.15 agreements/documents including Bilateral Investment Treaty, Protocol amending Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Fiscal Evasion, Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in Health, Information and Communication Technology, defence cooperation were signed.
- The bilateral relations were raised to the level of Strategic Partnership.During the visit Prime Minister also announced a line of credit of US $ 200 million for financing development projects in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- A 5 year Road-map for Trade and Economic Cooperation was adopted during the visit of Prime Minister Modi in June 2019 ,aimed at creation of favourable conditions for accelerated growth of bilateral trade , diversification of products and increase in foreign investment.
Cultural Relations
- In general, there is appreciation of Indian culture. The Centre for Indian Studies set up in Osh State University in 1997 has been useful in providing an exposure to Indian culture and civilization to academicians and intelligentsia in this country.
- . The Center is running with help of volunteers and imparts training in English and Hindi languages, Yoga and Kathak dance.
- In March 2019, Yoga Caravan, Classical Indian dance and Vegetarian Indian cuisine festival was held in Naryn, Karakol and Bishkek to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, in collaboration with ‘Altyn Taj’-India-Kyrgyz Friendship Society.
