India, Kyrgyzstan working on easing visa norms

Addressing Indo-Kyrgyz Business Investment Forum here, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Amar Sinha, also suggested that New Delhi could become a "major trade hub" for that country due to geographical proximity and enhanced air connectivity.

"India was one of the first countries with which Kyrgyzstan established diplomatic ties soon after its independence. And in these 25 years, a solid foundation has been laid and it is now time to take off," he said. 

The senior official was speaking in the presence of the Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic to India, Samargiul Adamkulova, who, in her address, termed India as a "reliable and friendly partner country" for the last 25 years. 

"We have relations in every area, from political to security, and people-to-people contact, but one major failure has been trade and economic relationship," Sinha said. 

Earlier, there was the disadvantage of land connectivity but now with three flights per week to Delhi from Bishkek, the flow of people has increased, and both sides must leverage this, besides old historical ties, he said. 

"The lack of connectivity was not yielding results, but there is no excuse now. Airlines are operating, and both governments are working on easing visa regulations. Airline sector has to be supported by liberal visa regime, otherwise transport sector will itself suffer," he added. 

The Forum, hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce, was also addressed by Deputy Minister of Economy of the Kyrgyz Republic Alymbek Orozbekov and other senior representatives from their government who pitched Kyrgyzstan as an investment and tourism destination for India. 

"Bishkek is one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in central Asia, and we would like Indians to visit the Kyrgyz capital. It has an international cuisine, very decent golf course and amazing landscape. And, we have already seen a spike in both business and medical tourism to India from Bishkek," Sinha said. 

The MEA official emphasised that though Kyrgyzstan is "doubly landlocked", it is surrounded by countries with growing economies -- Russia, China, Iran, India and Pakistan.

"Delhi also perhaps, is one of the closest metropolises this side, in terms of size and economic weight, to Bishkek, perhaps more close than Delhi is to Bengaluru or Chennai as Delhi-Bishkek flight take only about two-and-a-half hours. 

"So, when I look at Bishkek or Dushanbe or Kabul, I also believe that Delhi or India can become a major trade hub for Kyrgyzstan. That is something we have to look, as to how we can leverage this closeness, for them to use Delhi to reach India and reach the world through India," he said. 

Sinha also underlined that both countries have historical links going back to the Moghul era, and this cultural connect should be leveraged. 

Ambassador Adamkulova while inviting investments in her country, proposed that both countries dedicate the next 25 years to boost economic relations. 

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited our country in 2015 and after 13 years, our President came to India on a state visit last December. I see a big scope for cooperation in political, cultural and economic sectors," she said. 

A senior Kyrgyz Republic official said the country has been a member of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and has access to a very rich market. 

"I am pleased to see that Kyrygyz Republic and Ministry of Economy and the Embassy have taken this initiative to showcase the opportunities that they have in their country. 

"My message to both Krygyz business delegates and Indian businessmen present here is that MEA is trying to help make your ventures a success," Sinha said. 

Asserting that India was very keen to have free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union, the senior MEA official also asked Kyrgyzstan to work with India to "impress on the EAEU bureaucracy that we need to look at an FTA that will help not only Kyrgyz Republic but also other former USSR countries with which we traditionally have had links but they later got disrupted".