Ambassador Interviews

Ambassador’s interview with AKIpress

**** 

Ambassador of India to the Kyrgyz Republic Shri Arun Kumar Chatterjee talked about state of bilateral relations, prospects of economic ties, military-technical cooperation, geopolitical interests of the two countries in an interview with AKIpress. 

- How would you characterize Kyrgyz-Indian relations at the moment?

- Bilateral relations between India and the Kyrgyz Republic are warm, close and friendly and have been elevated to a strategic partnership now. There is mutual support, respect, friendship and trust between our two countries. We share values such as development and democracy. We have strong cultural bonds. In recent times, India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. I feel that the bilateral relationship has strengthened over these years; the future is bright and holds considerable potential for expansion. 

- What was the trade turnover in 2023? What is the reason for its decline?

- Trade between India and the Kyrgyz Republic was nearly US$ 118 million in 2022. It declined to around US$ 96 million in 2023. While we are still analyzing the reasons for the decline, one reason is the lower import of sugar from India. Trade, however, is still well below the potential. Once implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects with Indian grant assistance begins, we hope that the volume of trade turnover will increase. 

- What about Indian loan of $200 million?

- During the visit of the External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar in October, 2021, an offer of a Line of Credit(LOC) of US$ 200 million was made. Both sides are finalizing the texts of the various agreements to be signed for the utilization of this LOC. Once finalized and signed, there will be good prospects of expanding the economic ties and the trade turnover between India and the Kyrgyz Republic. 

- What transit corridors in Central Asia is India developing and what benefits can Kyrgyzstan get?

- India recognizes the importance of regional connectivity and believes in the creation of stable, economical and secure transport corridors to reach Central Asia and beyond. India has partnered with the regional countries to develop transport corridors for accelerating economic growth and enhancing the trade and commercial exchanges within the region. Given special historical and cultural linkages with the Central Asian region, India has made efforts to reduce the physical distance between the countries and people.

The INSTC is an important regional connectivity project for which India has partnered with several countries. Another landmark decision taken by India to enhance regional connectivity is to undertake investment in the Chabahar Port. India is participating in the development of the first phase of the Shahid Behesti Terminal in Chabahar in cooperation with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have invited Central Asian neighbours to utilize the Chabahar port in Iran as well as the Shaheed Bahesti terminal at the port for maritime trade with India and other countries of the world. This will reduce the transit time, distance and subsequently the cost of transporting goods. 

- Kyrgyzstan now has the largest Indian diaspora in Central Asia. What pros and cons do you see in this fact?

- The Embassy of India has regular interaction with the Indian Diaspora which is now 17,000 strong. There are more than 16,000 students studying medicine in various universities at Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, Kant, Osh and Jalabad. We meet and help them in settling down here. We have several Indian businesspersons and professionals working here. We are extremely grateful to the Kyrgyz Government for looking after the welfare of the Diaspora. We work closely with the Diaspora members in further enhancing the bilateral relations between our two countries. The Diaspora participates in various activities organized by our Embassy. 

- Are there any plans to deepen military-technical cooperation?

- Important facets of bilateral defence cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic include training Kyrgyz personnel in Indian defence establishments, joint exercises, conduct of exchange programmes and joint research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre (KIMBMRC) in Bishkek. The defence cooperation between the two countries in these areas is growing. The first meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence was held in March last year wherein several issues of mutual interest were discussed.

The 11th edition of India-Kyrgyz Republic Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XI was held from 22 January - 03 February 2024, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, Republic of India. During this exercise, the elite Special Forces of India and the Kyrgyz Republic exchanged experiences and best practices in Counter-Terrorism Operations and Special Forces Operations in Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain. The exercise facilitated synergy in conduct of Special Operations and strengthened the understanding and interoperability between the two Armed Forces. Exercise KHANJAR also accorded opportunity to showcase capabilities of cutting-edge military equipment, besides achieving shared security objectives and strengthening defence ties between the two sides. 

- What common geopolitical interests of the two countries can you mention?

- India and the Kyrgyz Republic have active political dialogue at all levels and close cooperation at the regional and global levels on important international issues of mutual interest. Both work to further deepen and strengthen mutual cooperation in the United Nations and other International Organizations towards preserving and promoting global peace and stability. Both countries also share common concerns on the threats of terrorism, extremism and drug–trafficking. India and the Kyrgyz Republic work closely in the SCO now. India chaired the Council of Heads of State of the SCO for the first time in 2023 while Kyrgyz Republic simultaneously chaired the SCO Council of the Heads of Government. Kyrgyz Republic made significant contribution to the Voice of the Global South Summits that were convened by India virtually in January and November 2023. India and the Kyrgyz Republic agree on the need to reform the United Nations to make it more equitable and democratic organization reflecting the contemporary geopolitical realities by further enhancing its representative nature. Both concur with the idea of reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in order to strengthen its capacity to respond promptly and effectively to global challenges and threats. In this connection, the Kyrgyz Republic has supported India’s candidature for permanent membership in an expanded UNSC. 

- Will there be High Level visits this year?

- Exchange of high-level visits is an important aspect of the bilateral relations between India and the Kyrgyz Republic. As you know, general election are going to be held in India during April-May 2024 following which a new Government will be assuming office. High-level visits between the two countries will be decided by the new Government. 

*****