EAM Jaishankar Arrives In Kyrgyzstan To Lead Indian Delegation At 22nd SCO Meeting

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to attend the SCO Heads of Government Meeting. Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, with his primary agenda being participation in the conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This visit is part of India’s ongoing engagement with SCO, where the central Asian nation currently holds the position of the chair.

In a tweet, Jaishankar said: “Thank Deputy FM Moldogaziev for the warm reception. Look forward to productive exchanges at the SCO; meeting Kyrgyz leadership and taking forward our bilateral agenda.”

Arrived in Bishkek for SCO Heads of Government meeting representing PM @narendramodi. Thank Deputy FM Moldogaziev for the warm reception.

Look forward to productive exchanges at the SCO; meeting Kyrgyz leadership and taking forward our bilateral agenda. 🇮🇳 🇰🇬 pic.twitter.com/Hilcz0sSUH

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 25, 2023

The SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting is being hosted by Kyrgyzstan, and it is anticipated to welcome the presence of key figures such as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in the Kyrgyz capital city of Bishkek.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Jaishankar’s visit and his role in leading the Indian delegation for the 22nd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG), under the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic. In an official statement, the MEA said, “In Bishkek, the external affairs minister will also meet with his counterparts from other SCO member states and call on the country’s top leadership”.

The visit demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening diplomatic ties within the SCO framework, as well as promoting regional cooperation and meaningful dialogue among member states. The SCO plays a significant role in addressing regional and global challenges, promoting economic cooperation, and facilitating political and security discussions among its member countries.