Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek, meets Indian community
Synopsis
Modi's Bishkek stopover was more than protocol — he paid homage at a Gandhi statue he himself unveiled a decade ago, was greeted with 'Vande Mataram' chants from the diaspora, and arrived carrying a pointed SCO message: India wants a region free of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The visit signals New Delhi's deepening Central Asia engagement ahead of a crucial multilateral summit.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek on 31 August .
The Gandhi statue was originally unveiled by Modi during his 2015 visit to Kyrgyzstan.
Modi is in Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games .
The Indian community in Bishkek welcomed Modi with chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'.
Modi met Adylbek Kasymaliev , Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet, and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Sadyr Zhaparov .
India has been an SCO member since 2017 ; Modi reiterated New Delhi's focus on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 31 August paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial statue in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and interacted with Indian community members who had gathered to receive him. The visit forms part of Modi's two-day stay in Bishkek for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Tribute at the Gandhi Memorial
Modi offered his respects at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bishkek — a monument he himself had unveiled during a previous visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015. 'In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji's thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds,' the Prime Minister wrote in a post on X.
Warm Welcome from the Indian Community
Members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial to welcome the Prime Minister, chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. Modi acknowledged the reception in a separate X post, writing: 'From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening.' He also witnessed cultural performances by the people of Kyrgyzstan and watched a group of yoga enthusiasts perform asanas in his honour.
SCO Summit and Bilateral Meetings
Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday as part of a two-nation tour covering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. On landing, he was received by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet several world leaders bilaterally on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, as well as hold a separate meeting with President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan.
India's Vision for the SCO Region
In his departure statement before leaving India on Saturday, Modi outlined New Delhi's priorities for the summit. 'India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism,' he said. Modi expressed confidence that the visit would strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepen civilisational ties with the region.
World Nomad Games
Beyond the SCO Summit, Modi is also attending the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games — an event he described as 'a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect.' The games are being hosted in Kyrgyzstan and bring together nations from across the region in a showcase of traditional nomadic culture and sport.
Point of View
Which has often been overshadowed by New Delhi's focus on the Indo-Pacific. The SCO, however, is an increasingly fraught forum: India shares the table with China and Pakistan, making Modi's explicit call to combat 'terrorism, separatism and extremism' a pointed message rather than routine diplomatic language. Whether bilateral meetings on the summit sidelines translate into concrete deliverables — particularly on connectivity and trade corridors — will be the real measure of this visit.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did PM Modi visit Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan?
PM Modi travelled to Bishkek for a two-day visit to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. The visit is part of a two-nation tour covering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
What is the significance of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bishkek?
The Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bishkek was unveiled by PM Modi himself during his 2015 visit to Kyrgyzstan, making it a symbol of India-Kyrgyzstan ties. Modi paid tribute at the memorial on 31 August 2025 and reflected on Gandhi's enduring influence.
What is India's position at the SCO Summit 2025?
India, a member of the SCO since 2017, is pushing an agenda centred on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. PM Modi has specifically called for collective action against terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region.
Who welcomed PM Modi in Bishkek on behalf of the Kyrgyz government?
Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, received PM Modi upon his arrival in Bishkek. Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with President Sadyr Zhaparov.
What is the World Nomad Games and why is India attending?
The World Nomad Games is an international event celebrating the traditional sports and living heritage of Central Asian nomadic cultures, with the 6th edition hosted in Kyrgyzstan. PM Modi described it as a celebration that India holds in deep respect, reflecting New Delhi's broader civilisational engagement with Central Asia.
