PM Modi Pays Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek, Interacts with Indian Diaspora

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid floral homage to Mahatma Gandhi at a memorial in Bishkek ahead of his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan. The memorial's Gandhi statue was unveiled by PM Modi himself during his visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015. His visit to the memorial came as he began the Bishkek leg of his two-country tour.

During his engagements in the Kyrgyz capital, Modi also met representatives of different communities and interacted with people involved in cultural and social activities. The Prime Minister was presented with a copy of Manas: Kyrgyz Veergatha Kavya, highlighting the cultural links between India and Kyrgyzstan.

Members of the local cultural community welcomed the opportunity to participate in events promoting greater interaction between Indian and Kyrgyz traditions. Danil Rykov, President of the Yoga Federation of Kyrgyzstan, described the experience as highly rewarding and said the workshops and performances could help create new opportunities for collaboration between organisations and cultures in the future.

Jyldyz Kuvatova, founder of the Art of Living Foundation in Kyrgyzstan and a professor at the American University of Central Asia, also spoke about the intensive workshops and performances held during the cultural programme. She said participants had spent several days attending workshops and meeting experienced teachers and performers, calling the experience both demanding and rewarding.

Hatha yoga instructor Arina Niiazbekova, who is associated with classical theatre and ballet and also performs Indian classical dance, said the programme provided an opportunity to learn from renowned gurus and artists. She described meeting old acquaintances and new participants as a memorable part of the event.

PM Modi also held an interaction with members of the Indian community living in Bishkek. Aditya Bhushan Mitra, director of Kyrgyzstan-based Pylon Traders, said the meeting and cultural engagements provided an important opportunity to learn from experienced personalities and showcase Indian culture. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi has arrived in Bishkek to attend the 26th SCO Leaders' Summit. The gathering brings together member states along with partner and observer countries to discuss regional and global developments and explore areas for greater cooperation.

The Prime Minister is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin, among other leaders. Modi's arrival in Bishkek marks the second phase of his two-country tour following his State Visit to Uzbekistan. In Tashkent, he held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which India and Uzbekistan upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides also agreed to broaden cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, infrastructure, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, space, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education and culture. India and Uzbekistan have also set a target of taking bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, with efforts focused on market access, connectivity and banking and payment mechanisms.

Before departing Uzbekistan, Modi expressed gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for the hospitality extended during his visit and reaffirmed the importance of the India-Uzbekistan relationship. During his stay in Tashkent, the Prime Minister also paid floral tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Shastri Memorial. Modi recalled Shastri's contribution to the nation and said his dedication and service continue to inspire generations.