Kyrgyz Defence Officers Call Meeting PM Modi in Bishkek a "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Experience

Kyrgyzstan's defence officials and representatives of the Congress of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic on Monday spoke about their memorable interactions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bishkek, with military officers particularly highlighting the strengthening defence partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan. Captain Taalaibek of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defence described his meeting with Prime Minister Modi as a special experience that he may not get again in his lifetime. He said meeting the Indian Prime Minister in Kyrgyzstan was a significant moment and expressed appreciation for Modi’s visit to the country.

Discussing the military relationship between the two nations, Taalaibek said his own professional training in India had given him a close understanding of the bilateral defence partnership. He spent three years at the National Defence Academy and another year at the Indian Military Academy. According to Taalaibek, defence cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan has continued to expand over the years. He pointed to the annual KHANJAR military exercise as an important example of the growing engagement between the armed forces of the two countries.

The KHANJAR exercise is a joint special forces drill conducted by India and Kyrgyzstan on a rotational basis. Taalaibek noted that the 13th edition of the exercise was completed this year, while the next edition, KHANJAR 14, is scheduled for the following year. He said regular participation in the exercise has helped strengthen cooperation and professional ties between the two militaries. Senior Lieutenant Baimurza of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defence also recalled his experience of meeting Prime Minister Modi and spoke about his years of military education in India. He said the interaction with the Prime Minister was a valuable opportunity.

Baimurza spent four years undergoing military training in India, including three years at the National Defence Academy with the 143rd Course and one year at the Indian Military Academy. He said his time in India helped him develop lasting friendships with Indian coursemates, with whom he remains in contact.

Recalling his former classmates, Baimurza extended his best wishes to his Indian friends and expressed hope that they would continue to maintain their strong bonds. Gulaiym Eshbaeva, Head of the International Department of the Congress of Women of the Kyrgyz Republic, also spoke warmly about her interaction with Prime Minister Modi. She described the meeting as an inspiring and unforgettable occasion.

Prime Minister Modi met members of various Kyrgyz communities in Bishkek on Monday ahead of his participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit being held in the Kyrgyz capital. The interactions came against the backdrop of expanding India-Kyrgyzstan relations, with defence cooperation, military training and joint exercises remaining important areas of bilateral engagement.