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Key Points

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev to discuss strengthening bilateral relations. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation across banking, education, energy, and counter-terrorism initiatives. A new Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed, marking a significant milestone in economic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan. The dialogue is part of India's broader engagement with Central Asian countries to build strategic partnerships.

Key Points: Jaishankar Meets Kyrgyz FM Kulubaev in Anti-Terror Dialogue

  • India enhances strategic partnership with Kyrgyzstan
  • Bilateral Investment Treaty signed and ratified
  • Discusses cooperation in multiple sectors
  • Focuses on anti-terrorism collaboration
3 min read

EAM Jaishankar thanks Kyrgyzstan for support and solidarity in countering terrorism

India and Kyrgyzstan strengthen bilateral ties through investment treaty and strategic cooperation against terrorism

"A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic - S. Jaishankar"

New Delhi, June 5

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday held a meeting with Kyrgyzstan Foreign Affairs Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich, discussing ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and also thanking him for Bishkek's support and solidarity in countering terrorism.

"A productive meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of Kyrgyz Republic. Thanked him for their support and solidarity in countering terrorism. Discussed our cooperation in banking, education, energy, health, connectivity and capacity building. Today's signing of Programme of Cooperation is a step forward in deepening our bilateral ties," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

Along with Kulubaev, four other Central Asian foreign ministers - including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan) and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan) - are in New Delhi to attend the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue as India continues to put a strong foot forward in enhancing anti-terror and de-radicalisation partnerships across the region.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and the visiting Kyrgyz Foreign Minister signed the Protocol and exchanged Instrument of Ratification of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between both countries.

The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) signed on June 14, 2019 in Bishkek between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, enters into force with effect from Thursday and replaces the earlier agreement enforced in May 2000, ensuring continuity in the protection of investments between the two nations.

"The India-Kyrgyz BIT marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral economic relations and fostering a secure and predictable investment environment. The BIT aims to promote and protect interests of investors of either country in the territory of the other country," read a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.

The BIT balances the investor rights with the sovereign regulatory powers of both countries, and reflects a shared commitment to create a resilient and transparent investment climate. It is expected to further encourage cross-border investments and deepen economic cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting held within the framework of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-India Dialogue, both countries discussed the current state and prospects of Kyrgyz-Indian cooperation in the financial and investment sectors.

"Particular attention was paid to the establishment of direct correspondent relations between banks of Kyrgyzstan and India and the development of investment cooperation in priority areas. The meeting concluded with confirmation of the parties' mutual willingness to strengthen cooperation between the financial institutions of the two countries," stated Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Strong moves by our EAM! 👏 Central Asia is crucial for India's security and economic interests. Terrorism affects all of us, so glad to see Kyrgyzstan standing with us. The banking cooperation will help our businesses expand there too. #NeighbourhoodFirst
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Priya M.
Good development but I hope this isn't just talk. We need concrete action against terror groups operating from Pakistan that threaten both India and Central Asia. The BIT is a positive step though - more Indian companies should explore opportunities in Kyrgyzstan.
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Amit S.
As someone from the business community, I welcome the banking connectivity. Sending money to Central Asia has been difficult. Hope this leads to more trade - our pharma and IT sectors can benefit greatly from stronger ties with Kyrgyzstan and other 'Stans'!
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Sunita R.
Terrorism is a global problem that needs global solutions. India's experience in counter-terrorism can help Central Asian nations. But we must also focus on cultural exchanges - Bollywood and our universities can be great soft power tools in this region.
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I hope we're not ignoring our immediate neighborhood issues with China and Pakistan to focus on Central Asia. A balanced approach is needed - can't put all eggs in one basket. That said, the investment treaty looks promising.
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Neha P.
Great to see India strengthening ties with Central Asia! 🙌 My cousin studied medicine in Bishkek - there's so much potential for education collaboration. Hope more student exchange programs come from this. The terrorism cooperation is much needed in today's world.

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