Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, ahead of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
The Gandhi statue at the memorial was unveiled by Modi himself during his 2015 visit to Kyrgyzstan, giving the latest tribute an added connection to his earlier engagement with the country.
During his time in Bishkek, PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian community, as well as people involved in cultural and educational activities in Kyrgyzstan.
The interactions included representatives connected with yoga, Indian classical dance and cultural organisations, reflecting the role of people to people exchanges in strengthening India Kyrgyzstan ties.
Members of the community described the meeting as a memorable opportunity to connect with the Prime Minister and showcase Indian culture abroad.
Modi’s Bishkek visit comes as India participates in the 26th SCO Leadership Summit, bringing together member states and partner countries to discuss regional and global issues.
The summit provides India with a platform to engage on matters including regional security, connectivity and economic cooperation. Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
His visit to Kyrgyzstan follows a state visit to Uzbekistan, making Central Asia an important focus of India’s current diplomatic outreach.
The Bishkek visit forms part of a broader effort to deepen India’s engagement with Central Asia through diplomacy, trade, culture and people to people connections.
During the wider two country visit, India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while expanding cooperation across areas including trade, digital technology, healthcare, energy, education and culture.