Grand welcome for PM Modi as he lands in Kyrgyzstan for key SCO Summit

IBNS-CMEDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Sunday as he arrived in the Central Asian nation to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

After landing in Bishkek, Modi expressed gratitude to Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev, for the warm reception.

“Grateful to Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, for the warm welcome,” Modi said in a post.

During his visit, Modi is scheduled to meet senior Kyrgyz leaders and attend the SCO Summit. He also received a warm welcome from members of the Indian community in Kyrgyzstan.

“From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening,” Modi said.

The SCO Summit is expected to draw particular attention as it will bring Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping together under one roof amid ongoing regional and global geopolitical developments.

In his departure statement on Friday, Modi said India had 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, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” he said.

Modi also said he looked forward to meeting Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, as well as attending the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

He described the event as a celebration of the “rich living heritage of Central Asia” that India holds in deep respect.

Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan after concluding his two-day visit to Uzbekistan.