How Did EAM Jaishankar Acknowledge Kyrgyzstan's Support in Countering Terrorism?

Synopsis
In a significant meeting between India and Kyrgyzstan, EAM S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude for Kyrgyzstan's support against terrorism. Discussions extended to bilateral cooperation across vital sectors, culminating in the signing of a pivotal Programme of Cooperation, enhancing ties and mutual interests in investment and security.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening Bilateral Ties: India and Kyrgyzstan are deepening their cooperation.
- Counter-Terrorism Support: Kyrgyzstan's assistance in combating terrorism is acknowledged.
- Bilateral Investment Treaty: A new BIT enhances investment protection.
- Multi-Sector Collaboration: Discussions covered banking, education, and energy.
- Regional Dialogue: The 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue emphasizes regional security and prosperity.
New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar convened a meeting on Thursday with Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Affairs Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev Moldokanovich. The agenda focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, with Jaishankar expressing gratitude for Bishkek's unwavering support in the fight against terrorism.
"I had a fruitful meeting with FM Zheenbek Kulubaev of the Kyrgyz Republic. I expressed my gratitude for their steadfast support in combating terrorism. We explored avenues for collaboration in sectors such as banking, education, energy, health, connectivity, and capacity building. The signing of the Programme of Cooperation marks a significant advancement in our bilateral relationship," EAM Jaishankar shared on X following the meeting.
Accompanying Kulubaev were four other foreign ministers from Central Asia, including Bakhtiyor Saidov (Uzbekistan), Rashid Meredov (Turkmenistan), Sirojiddin Muhriddin (Tajikistan), and Murat Nurtleu (Kazakhstan). They gathered in New Delhi for the two-day 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue, emphasizing India's commitment to strengthening anti-terrorism and de-radicalization partnerships across the region.
Earlier that day, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and the visiting Kyrgyz Foreign Minister formalized the Protocol and exchanged Instruments of Ratification for the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the two nations.
The BIT, signed on June 14, 2019, in Bishkek, officially came into effect on Thursday, superseding the previous agreement established in May 2000, thereby ensuring ongoing protection for investments exchanged between the two countries.
"The India-Kyrgyz BIT represents a pivotal moment in fortifying our economic relations and establishing a secure, predictable investment landscape. It aims to promote and safeguard the interests of investors from both countries within each other's territories," stated a release from the Ministry of Finance.
The BIT strikes a balance between investor rights and the sovereign regulatory capabilities of both nations, reflecting a mutual commitment to fostering a resilient and transparent investment environment. It is anticipated to further stimulate cross-border investments and deepen economic ties between India and Kyrgyzstan.
During their discussions, held as part of the 4th Ministerial Meeting of the Central Asia-India Dialogue, both nations assessed the current status and future prospects of Kyrgyz-Indian collaboration in financial and investment domains.
"We paid special attention to establishing direct banking correspondent relationships between Kyrgyzstan and India and enhancing investment cooperation in key sectors. The meeting concluded with reaffirmation of both parties' willingness to bolster collaboration between our financial institutions," the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.