PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With Kyrgyz President Japarov

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George were also present during the discussions.

Earlier, PM Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Kyrgyz capital.

Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across several areas, including defence, economics, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.

PM Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties.

Later in the day, PM Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He is also scheduled to attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

On Sunday, PM Modi interacted with members of Kyrgyz communities in Bishkek ahead of his participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The bilateral meetings come after PM Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday for the SCO Summit.

His visit to Kyrgyzstan marks the next leg of his two-country tour after concluding his state visit to Uzbekistan.

PM Modi arrived in the Kyrgyz capital at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The 26th SCO Summit will bring together leaders of member states to discuss regional and international issues.

The leaders are also expected to deliberate on ways to further strengthen cooperation within the grouping.

PM Modi's participation in the Bishkek summit is expected to further strengthen India's engagement with the SCO and its Central Asian partners.

The summit comes as the organisation marks 25 years of its existence.