This is PM Modi’s 4th trip to Uzbekistan, and it comes with big numbers attached. Trade crossed $1.3 billion in 2025, India-China trade is up 24% in the first half of 2026, and India is now eyeing 75% of its global trade via FTAs. The timing matters. The 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on Aug 31-Sept 1 marks 25 years of the Eurasian bloc, and India is asking a real question — can Central Asia help us diversify beyond China? Over 4 days in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the focus is connectivity, energy, critical minerals, and new corridors. It’s not just diplomacy, it’s trade insurance. 


PM Modi's Central Asia push: Can Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan help India diversify trade?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on August 29. He will attend the 26th SCO Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit.

PM Modi to visit Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan during 4-day trip

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN - Kyrgyzstan hosts annual Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Bishkek. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend along with leaders from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.


Putin In Kyrgyzstan: Putin Unveils 2026 Plan To Rearm CSTO With Modern Russian Weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin received a grand red-carpet welcome in Kyrgyzstan, greeted by President Sadyr Japarov. The elaborate ceremony featured traditional dances, horses, and dogs, showcasing Kyrgyz culture and hospitality.

Putin in Kyrgyzstan: Putin Greeted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov Amid Spectacular Ceremony 

<p>Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority.</p>
<p>Calling the niqab "alien to our society," the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan said that it could allow "attackers in disguise" to hide their identities. The niqab covers the body and face, leaving only the eyes visible.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-downplays-climate-change-says-itll-give-more-waterfront-property-warns-nuclear-heat-from-iran-more-dangerous-8941241">'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>A ban on Niqab</strong></h2>
<p>In January, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Žaparov issued a decree banning clothes that entirely cover women's bodies and faces.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now, the ban has received the backing of Kyrgyzstan's official Muslim governing body.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As quoted by local media, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 8) said: "The niqab is alien to our society".</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-tahawwur-rana-to-be-brought-to-india-8941373">26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India</a></strong></p>
<p>"It is possible that our niqab-wearing sisters are attackers in disguise, which threaten public safety. So it is important to openly show your face to be recognisable," it noted.</p>
<p>Women found wearing the Niqab (also known as burqa or Parandža) could be fined 20,000 Som &mdash; about $230, more than half the country's average monthly wage.</p>
<p>President Sadyr Japarov on Saturday (Apr 5) said women in Kyrgyzstan had traditionally "never worn a burqa" and said that the policy was "important for ensuring public safety".</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-years-ago-a-drunk-man-crashed-plane-into-jackson-magnolia-8941350">30 years ago, a drunkard stole and crashed a plane into the Jackson Magnolia at White House</a></strong></p>
<p>The law is part of a wider effort by five Muslim-majority countries of Central Asia to curb rising Islamist influence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, religious revival across the region has triggered concern among its largely secular states. Thousands of citizens from Central Asia are believed to have joined jihadist groups in the Middle East during the rise of ISIS, reports Daily Mail.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World | Kyrgyzstan enforces fines on women wearing the niqab, with support from its top Islamic authority, citing it as a foreign concept that could conceal identities.

Women in Kyrgyzstan will now face fines for wearing the full-body niqab, under a January ban that has now received the backing of the country's top Islamic authority. Calling the niqab "alien to our society," the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan said that it could allow "attackers in disguise" to hide their identities. The niqab covers the body and face, leaving only the eyes visible. Also read | 'More waterfront property': Trump downplays climate change, warns 'nuclear heat' from Iran more dangerous A ban on Niqab In January, Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Žaparov issued a decree banning clothes that entirely cover women's bodies and faces. Now, the ban has received the backing of Kyrgyzstan's official Muslim governing body. As quoted by local media, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 8) said: "The niqab is alien to our society". Also read | 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana to be brought to India "It is possible that our niqab-wearing sisters are attackers in disguise, which threaten public safety. So it is important to openly show your face to be recognisable," it noted. Women found wearing the Niqab (also known as burqa or Parandža) could be fined 20,000 Som — about $230, more than half the country's average monthly wage. President Sadyr Japarov on Saturday (Apr 5) said women in Kyrgyzstan had traditionally "never worn a burqa" and said that the policy was "important for ensuring public safety". Also read | 30 years ago, a drunkard stole and crashed a plane into the Jackson Magnolia at White House The law is part of a wider effort by five Muslim-majority countries of Central Asia to curb rising Islamist influence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, religious revival across the region has triggered concern among its largely secular states. Thousands of citizens from Central Asia are believed to have joined jihadist groups in the Middle East during the rise of ISIS, reports Daily Mail. (With inputs from agencies)

Kyrgyzstan to fine women for wearing full body niqab; nation's top Islamic authority backs ban, says it's 'alien to our society'

Five children and two adults have died in mudslides in Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous Central Asian country on the front line of climate change, the government said Saturday.

Mudslides kill 7, including 5 children in Kyrgyzstan

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.

Pakistan's Ishaq Dar arrives in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, Dar raises concerns over mob attack

Incidents of mob violence rocked the capital of Kyrgyzstan with attacks on buildings housing foreign students. What led to the violence? Molly Gambhir will get you the details.

Gravitas | What led to the violence in Kyrgyzstan?

<p>Amid mob violence against international students in Kyrgyzstan, India, and Pakistan have issued advisories to students, asking them to stay home.</p>

<p>Hours after the countries' advisories, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic released a statement saying that "destructive forces are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in foreign mass media and social networks, especially in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the past several days, Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has been in turmoil as violent mobs have targeted dormitories that house students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.</p>

<p><strong>But what led to this targeted mob attack on Indian and Pakistani students?</strong></p>

<p>According to local reports, a scuffle between locals and foreign students, including Pakistanis and Egyptians at a dormitory caused the violence to break out. The altercation, which is said to have taken place on May 13, was captured on camera, and the&nbsp;video went viral on social media.</p>

<p>On May 16, international students were singled out and attacked, making the situation worse. After the incident, crowds began to attack foreign students, especially those from Pakistan and India. Locals attacked the students despite their cries for aid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An Indian citizen contacted the Indian embassy late on Friday night, telling the official that they were in desperate need of assistance and protection. At least 14 Pakistani students are said to have been injured in the attacks.</p>

<p>According to the Times of Central Asia, locals began gathering on the streets on Friday to protest the alleged lenient treatment of foreigners engaged in the conflict. According to authorities, three foreigners were held on suspicion of hooliganism.</p>

<p>Mobs attacked the dorms of medical universities that housed students from Bangladesh, Pakistan. According to Pakistan's Aaj News, women students were harassed and many were hurt.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidSzRFE0Vouo24" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/mob-violence-in-kyrgyzstan-indian-students-advised-to-stay-indoors-amid-attacks-722704" target="_blank">Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: Indian students advised to ‘stay indoors’ amid attacks; five injured</a></strong></p>

<p>The Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek, however, advised its students to "stay indoors until the situation returns to normal" and stated that it has not yet received any information of any deaths.</p>

<p>"A few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan," the Pakistan embassy said.</p>

<p>"Despite social media posts about the alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed reports," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, claimed that things were "calm" in Bishkek and suggested that students maintain continuous communication with the Indian embassy. "The situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment," he tweeted.</p>


Amid mob violence against international students in Kyrgyzstan, India, and Pakistan have issued advisories to students, asking them to stay home. Hours after the countries' advisories, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic released a statement saying that "destructive forces are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in foreign mass media and social networks, especially in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Amid mob violence against international students in Kyrgyzstan, India, and Pakistan have issued advisories to students, asking them to stay home. Hours after the countries' advisories, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic released a statement saying that "destructive forces are deliberately disseminating untrue and false information about the situation in the Kyrgyz Republic in foreign mass media and social networks, especially in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan." For the past several days, Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has been in turmoil as violent mobs have targeted dormitories that house students from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. But what led to this targeted mob attack on Indian and Pakistani students? According to local reports, a scuffle between locals and foreign students, including Pakistanis and Egyptians at a dormitory caused the violence to break out. The altercation, which is said to have taken place on May 13, was captured on camera, and the video went viral on social media. On May 16, international students were singled out and attacked, making the situation worse. After the incident, crowds began to attack foreign students, especially those from Pakistan and India. Locals attacked the students despite their cries for aid. An Indian citizen contacted the Indian embassy late on Friday night, telling the official that they were in desperate need of assistance and protection. At least 14 Pakistani students are said to have been injured in the attacks. According to the Times of Central Asia, locals began gathering on the streets on Friday to protest the alleged lenient treatment of foreigners engaged in the conflict. According to authorities, three foreigners were held on suspicion of hooliganism. Mobs attacked the dorms of medical universities that housed students from Bangladesh, Pakistan. According to Pakistan's Aaj News, women students were harassed and many were hurt. Also read: Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: Indian students advised to ‘stay indoors’ amid attacks; five injured The Pakistani Embassy in Bishkek, however, advised its students to "stay indoors until the situation returns to normal" and stated that it has not yet received any information of any deaths. "A few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students, including Pakistanis, have been attacked. There have been reports of light injuries to a number of students from Pakistan," the Pakistan embassy said. "Despite social media posts about the alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed reports," it added. S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, claimed that things were "calm" in Bishkek and suggested that students maintain continuous communication with the Indian embassy. "The situation is presently calm, but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment," he tweeted.

Unrest in Kyrgyzstan: What sparked the attacks on hostels housing Indian, Pakistani students?

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence. Watch in for more details!

Bishkek mob violence: Kyrgyzstan says situation in Bishkek completely calm

<p>The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students. Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate has denied reports of&nbsp;alleged death and rape of Pakistani students as claims were making rounds on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India is ‘monitoring’ the situation</strong></h2>

<p>“We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24×7 contact number is &nbsp;0555710041,” said the Embassy of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in a post on X. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-changes-decades-old-law-to-allow-joint-custody-to-divorced-couples-722580">Japan changes decades-old law to allow joint custody to divorced couples</a></strong></p>

<p>In response to the post, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said, “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy.”</p>

<p>There are reportedly around&nbsp;15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan.</p>

<h2><strong>Violence against students in Kyrgyzstan</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Pakistan Embassy in the Central Asian country, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked.</p>

<p>“The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.”</p>

<p>Multiple reports on social media have claimed that at least three Pakistani students have been killed amid the violence, but it was not immediately confirmed by officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry indicates that at least five students have been injured.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At least five Pakistanis injured</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, on Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were “mob riots” in the Kyrghyz Republic and said that they are in contact with the Central Asian country’s government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan’s embassy in the country has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries of students and their families, while ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury,” said the Pakistan foreign ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan foreign ministry summons diplomat</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said that the Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a “demarche” by Director General Aizaz Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-who-attacked-nancy-pelosis-husband-sentenced-to-30-years-in-prison-722680">David DePape, man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to 30 years in prison</a></strong></p>

<p>“It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his concern over the situation in Bishkek and said Islamabad is “constantly monitoring the situation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani &nbsp;students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” said the Pakistan PM, in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>'Situation under control'</strong></h2>

<p>"From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign and citizens of the&nbsp;Kyrgyz Republic," said the&nbsp;Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, local officials are yet to specify how many people were detained. It added, "The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order was ensured."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students.

The Indian Embassy in the capital city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan has asked Indian students to “stay indoors,” on Saturday (May 18) amid reports of mob violence which is reportedly targeting international students. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate has denied reports of alleged death and rape of Pakistani students as claims were making rounds on social media. India is ‘monitoring’ the situation “We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the Embassy in case of any issue. Our 24×7 contact number is 0555710041,” said the Embassy of India in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, in a post on X. The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence. Also Read | Japan changes decades-old law to allow joint custody to divorced couples In response to the post, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said, “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. Situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the Embassy.” There are reportedly around 15,000 Indian students are estimated to be in Kyrgyzstan. Violence against students in Kyrgyzstan According to the Pakistan Embassy in the Central Asian country, a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek and private residences of international students including Pakistanis have been attacked. “The hostels are inhabited by students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. There have been reports of light injuries to several students from Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Kyrgyzstan consulate in a post on X. It added, “Despite social media posts about alleged death and rape of Pakistani students, so far, we have not received any confirmed report.” Multiple reports on social media have claimed that at least three Pakistani students have been killed amid the violence, but it was not immediately confirmed by officials. However, a statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry indicates that at least five students have been injured. At least five Pakistanis injured In a statement, on Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that there were “mob riots” in the Kyrghyz Republic and said that they are in contact with the Central Asian country’s government. “The Kyrghyz authorities have expressed regret at the incidents of violence against foreign nationals including Pakistanis in Bishkek last night. They have also pledged to hold an inquiry and punish the perpetrators,” said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Pakistan’s embassy in the country has opened emergency helplines and is responding to queries of students and their families, while ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic Hassan Ali Zaigham has been in close contact with senior Kyrgyz authorities. “According to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry, four Pakistanis were provided first aid and discharged while one is under treatment for jaw injury,” said the Pakistan foreign ministry. Pakistan foreign ministry summons diplomat Pakistan’s foreign ministry also said that the Charge d’affaires of the Kyrgyz Embassy Melis Moldaliev was called to the Foreign Office for a “demarche” by Director General Aizaz Khan. “He was conveyed the deep concerns of the Government of Pakistan about the reports of last night’s incidents against Pakistani students studying in the Kyrgyz Republic.” Also Read | David DePape, man who attacked Nancy Pelosi’s husband sentenced to 30 years in prison “It was impressed on the Kyrgyz Charge d'affaires that the Kyrgyz government should take all possible measures to ensure the safety and security of Pakistani students and citizens residing in the Kyrgyz Republic,” the statement added. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his concern over the situation in Bishkek and said Islamabad is “constantly monitoring the situation”. “Deeply concerned over the situation of Pakistani students in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I have directed Pakistan's Ambassador to provide all necessary help and assistance. My office is also in touch with the Embassy and constantly monitoring the situation,” said the Pakistan PM, in a post on X. 'Situation under control' "From the moment information about the incident was received, law enforcement agencies of the Kyrgyz Republic took prompt measures to detain persons involved in the event, both foreign and citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, in a statement. However, local officials are yet to specify how many people were detained. It added, "The situation was completely under the control of the security forces. The safety of citizens and public order was ensured." (With inputs from agencies)

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: Indian students advised to ‘stay indoors’ amid attacks; five injured

Bishkek mob violence: 14 Pakistanis injured in violence

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid3PpN99NbtG3I" />A 21-year-old Indian student died in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in a frozen waterfall. Dasari Chandu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh,&nbsp;was studying&nbsp;medicine there and was a second-year student.&nbsp;Chandu went to the waterfall on Sunday (Apr 21) with four other students, also&nbsp;from Andhra.&nbsp;The MBBS student died after he got trapped in the ice. His body&nbsp;was later recovered&nbsp;from the site.</p>

<p>The family members of the victim have now reached out to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to bring their son's body home. The relevant authorities are believed to be in contact with Kyrgyzstan officials&nbsp;and&nbsp;arrangements have&nbsp;been made&nbsp;to transport the body to Chandu’s home town.</p>

<p>According to media reports, Chandu was the second son of a halwa&nbsp;seller,&nbsp;named&nbsp;Bhima Raju.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwicpPiO-9iFAxVqa2wGHcE4D48QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-uk-visa-policy-revisions-stir-anxiety-wion-speaks-to-indian-students-and-professionals-710941" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-uk-visa-policy-revisions-stir-anxiety-wion-speaks-to-indian-students-and-professionals-710941&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicpPiO-9iFAxVqa2wGHcE4D48QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals</a></strong></p>

<p>The Union Minister reportedly spoke to officials in the Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan and requested them for assistance in sending Chandu's remains to India.</p>

<h2><strong>Two Indian students die in US</strong></h2>

<p>In a separate event, two Indian students, Nivesh Mukka (19) and Goutham Parsi (19), both from Telangana and studying at Arizona State University, lost their lives in a head-on traffic collision near Lake Pleasant in Arizona, USA. The incident occurred on&nbsp;April 20, according to the Peoria Police.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwicpPiO-9iFAxVqa2wGHcE4D48QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-indian-students-found-dead-at-popular-tourist-spot-in-scotland-712935" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/two-indian-students-found-dead-at-popular-tourist-spot-in-scotland-712935&amp;ved=2ahUKEwicpPiO-9iFAxVqa2wGHcE4D48QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Two Indian students found dead at popular tourist spot in Scotland</a></strong></p>

<p>The fatal accident involved a white 2024 Kia Forte and a red 2022 Ford F150, resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision. Mukka and Parsi, who were in the Kia Forte, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the Kia Forte was rushed to a local hospital with&nbsp;serious&nbsp;injuries and has since&nbsp;been discharged. The driver of the Ford F150, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was also taken to a local hospital with&nbsp;serious&nbsp;injuries and has been released.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 21-year-old Indian student died in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in a frozen waterfall. Dasari Chandu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was studying medicine there and was a second-year student.

A 21-year-old Indian student died in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in a frozen waterfall. Dasari Chandu, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was studying medicine there and was a second-year student. Chandu went to the waterfall on Sunday (Apr 21) with four other students, also from Andhra. The MBBS student died after he got trapped in the ice. His body was later recovered from the site. The family members of the victim have now reached out to Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to bring their son's body home. The relevant authorities are believed to be in contact with Kyrgyzstan officials and arrangements have been made to transport the body to Chandu’s home town. According to media reports, Chandu was the second son of a halwa seller, named Bhima Raju. Also read: EXCLUSIVE | UK visa policy revisions stir anxiety; WION speaks to Indian students and professionals The Union Minister reportedly spoke to officials in the Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan and requested them for assistance in sending Chandu's remains to India. Two Indian students die in US In a separate event, two Indian students, Nivesh Mukka (19) and Goutham Parsi (19), both from Telangana and studying at Arizona State University, lost their lives in a head-on traffic collision near Lake Pleasant in Arizona, USA. The incident occurred on April 20, according to the Peoria Police. Also read: Two Indian students found dead at popular tourist spot in Scotland The fatal accident involved a white 2024 Kia Forte and a red 2022 Ford F150, resulting in a multiple-vehicle collision. Mukka and Parsi, who were in the Kia Forte, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Meanwhile, the driver of the Kia Forte was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries and has since been discharged. The driver of the Ford F150, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was also taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and has been released. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian MBBS student dies in Kyrgyzstan after getting trapped in frozen waterfall

<p>Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 2) signed into law a bill that will tighten state control over foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The controversial law that is modelled on Russia's "foreign agents law" has faced criticism from human rights bodies and groups who say it is restrictive and will stigmatise them and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.</p>

<h2><strong>Foreign representative</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, the law uses language similar to Russia's 2012 law on "foreign agents". It imposes additional reporting obligations on NGOs with foreign funding that are engaged in "political" activities.</p>

<p>The law, as per VOA, states that any organisation receiving foreign funding must register as a "foreign representative."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2024-biden-trump-sweep-primaries-in-wisconsin-new-york-and-two-other-states-707065">US Elections 2024: Biden, Trump sweep primaries in Wisconsin, New York, and two other states</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, another provision of the law gives the implementing authority, the Ministry of Justice, the authority to conduct unscheduled inspections and audits of such organisations and provides for criminal sanctions in the event of non-compliance.</p>

<p>In a statement, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said, "You have been working with foreign donors for 30 years and no one has prosecuted you for taking money. Are we going to start doing that now? As the Head of state, I guarantee there will be no persecution."</p>

<p>"Our state has no secrets to hide from you and your donors," he said, adding, "All our information is in the public domain. If you can, get billions, not millions. It will only benefit our country."</p>

<h2><strong>Critics warn of 'overwhelmingly negative impact'</strong></h2>

<p>Previously, in February, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe warned that passing the bill "would have an overwhelmingly negative impact on civil society, human rights defenders, and the media in Kyrgyzstan".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-don-hankey-billionaire-behind-trumps-175-million-bond-post-707058">Who is Don Hankey, billionaire behind Trump's $175 million bond post</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, the passing of the bill, described as a crackdown on independent media, was criticised by the US State Department, which said it was "deeply concerned" by the adoption of the law.</p>

<p>Stating that the law puts the work of NGOs at risk, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said the law "is the latest in a series of Kyrgyz government actions that have undermined democratic governance and civil society."</p>

<p>The Committee to Protect Journalists, an NGO that promotes press freedom worldwide, has called for the law's repeal.</p>

<p>Gulnoza Said, CPJ's Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, in New York warned,&nbsp;"President Sadyr Japarov's decision to follow Russia's lead on 'foreign agent' legislation threatens to erase Kyrgyzstan's 30-year status as a relative haven of free speech and democracy in post-Soviet Central Asia."</p>

<p>"While the law's current form does not directly target media outlets, it could cripple the work of press freedom groups and non-profits running several of Kyrgyzstan’s celebrated independent media organisations and must be repealed," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 2) signed into law a bill that will tighten state control over foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The controversial law that is modelled on Russia's "foreign agents law" has faced criticism from human rights bodies and groups who say it is restrictive and will stigmatise them and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday (Apr 2) signed into law a bill that will tighten state control over foreign-funded non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The controversial law that is modelled on Russia's "foreign agents law" has faced criticism from human rights bodies and groups who say it is restrictive and will stigmatise them and create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Foreign representative As per Reuters, the law uses language similar to Russia's 2012 law on "foreign agents". It imposes additional reporting obligations on NGOs with foreign funding that are engaged in "political" activities. The law, as per VOA, states that any organisation receiving foreign funding must register as a "foreign representative." Also read | US Elections 2024: Biden, Trump sweep primaries in Wisconsin, New York, and two other states Additionally, another provision of the law gives the implementing authority, the Ministry of Justice, the authority to conduct unscheduled inspections and audits of such organisations and provides for criminal sanctions in the event of non-compliance. In a statement, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov said, "You have been working with foreign donors for 30 years and no one has prosecuted you for taking money. Are we going to start doing that now? As the Head of state, I guarantee there will be no persecution." "Our state has no secrets to hide from you and your donors," he said, adding, "All our information is in the public domain. If you can, get billions, not millions. It will only benefit our country." Critics warn of 'overwhelmingly negative impact' Previously, in February, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe warned that passing the bill "would have an overwhelmingly negative impact on civil society, human rights defenders, and the media in Kyrgyzstan". Also read | Who is Don Hankey, billionaire behind Trump's $175 million bond post Furthermore, the passing of the bill, described as a crackdown on independent media, was criticised by the US State Department, which said it was "deeply concerned" by the adoption of the law. Stating that the law puts the work of NGOs at risk, US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said the law "is the latest in a series of Kyrgyz government actions that have undermined democratic governance and civil society." The Committee to Protect Journalists, an NGO that promotes press freedom worldwide, has called for the law's repeal. Gulnoza Said, CPJ's Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, in New York warned, "President Sadyr Japarov's decision to follow Russia's lead on 'foreign agent' legislation threatens to erase Kyrgyzstan's 30-year status as a relative haven of free speech and democracy in post-Soviet Central Asia." "While the law's current form does not directly target media outlets, it could cripple the work of press freedom groups and non-profits running several of Kyrgyzstan’s celebrated independent media organisations and must be repealed," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Kyrgyzstan passes law targeting foreign-funded NGOs; critics warn media freedom under threat

The 22nd head of government meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has kicked off in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. The two-day meeting is attended by member nations - India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and more.

22nd heads of govt SCO meet kicks off, S Jaishankar represents India at SCO

<p>Kazakhstan has unveiled an&nbsp;initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Kazakh is the official language of this former Soviet republic in Central Asia, Russian is also recognised and widely spoken among its approximately 20 million residents.</p>

<p>Culture Minister Aida Balayeva revealed that the proposed media law outlines a shift to increase the presence of the state language in television and radio content from 50 per cent to 70 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-to-hold-referendum-on-construction-of-first-ever-nuclear-plant-631755">Kazakhstan to hold referendum on construction of first-ever nuclear plant</a></strong></p>

<p>The legislation is currently under discussion among lawmakers and is expected to gain approval from the parliament, which is perceived as loyal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.</p>

<p>The Kazakh culture minister further explained that this transition will occur gradually, with a 5 per cent annual increase starting in 2025, in line with government efforts to promote the Kazakh language since the Soviet Union's dissolution three decades ago.</p>

<p>Despite a significant ethnic Russian population of about 15 per cent, Kazakhstan maintains strong political, economic, and military ties with Moscow due to their shared border.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism &amp; disorder charges for protests</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kazakhstan-is-holding-more-than-460-people-on-terrorism-disorder-charges-for-protests-446841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, Kazakhstan has also been actively strengthening relationships with Western nations and China, particularly since the beginning of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Kazakhstan's neighbouring country, Kyrgyzstan, where the Russian language holds official status, similar legislation was passed earlier this year, mandating fluency in Kyrgyz for civil servants and requiring 60 per cent of the media content to be produced in the local language.</p>

<p>In other former Soviet Central Asian countries — the Stans — such as Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Russian language lacks official status but is still commonly used by residents and officials.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Kazakhstan has unveiled an initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Kazakhstan has unveiled an initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022. While Kazakh is the official language of this former Soviet republic in Central Asia, Russian is also recognised and widely spoken among its approximately 20 million residents. Culture Minister Aida Balayeva revealed that the proposed media law outlines a shift to increase the presence of the state language in television and radio content from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. Also read | Kazakhstan to hold referendum on construction of first-ever nuclear plant The legislation is currently under discussion among lawmakers and is expected to gain approval from the parliament, which is perceived as loyal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Kazakh culture minister further explained that this transition will occur gradually, with a 5 per cent annual increase starting in 2025, in line with government efforts to promote the Kazakh language since the Soviet Union's dissolution three decades ago. Despite a significant ethnic Russian population of about 15 per cent, Kazakhstan maintains strong political, economic, and military ties with Moscow due to their shared border. Also watch | Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism & disorder charges for protests × However, Kazakhstan has also been actively strengthening relationships with Western nations and China, particularly since the beginning of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. In Kazakhstan's neighbouring country, Kyrgyzstan, where the Russian language holds official status, similar legislation was passed earlier this year, mandating fluency in Kyrgyz for civil servants and requiring 60 per cent of the media content to be produced in the local language. In other former Soviet Central Asian countries — the Stans — such as Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Russian language lacks official status but is still commonly used by residents and officials. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow losing influence in Central Asia? After Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan mulls limiting use of Russian language

<p>More than&nbsp;30&nbsp;people accused of a&nbsp;coup&nbsp;plot have been&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan, the national security service said Tuesday.</p>

<p>The impoverished Central Asian country with ties to Russia and China has seen three presidents resign over political crises fuelled by corruption, nepotism and disputed votes since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.</p>

<p>The GKNB state security agency said it dismantled the preparations of a group of people planning to organise riots "in order to seize power by force", adding that more than&nbsp;30&nbsp;people were&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;on Monday.</p>

<p>The arrests come just days after a visit to&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;by European Council President Charles Michel, during which President Sadyr Japarov pledged his "readiness to work hand in hand with the European Union".&nbsp;</p>

<p>While this mountainous country has long enjoyed a relatively free press and political pluralism in a region where expression remains restricted, NGOs are denouncing an increase in pressure against the media and civil society.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


More than 30 people accused of a coup plot have been arrested in Kyrgyzstan, the national security service said Tuesday. The impoverished Central Asian country with ties to Russia and China has seen three presidents resign over political crises fuelled by corruption, nepotism and disputed votes since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

More than 30 people accused of a coup plot have been arrested in Kyrgyzstan, the national security service said Tuesday. The impoverished Central Asian country with ties to Russia and China has seen three presidents resign over political crises fuelled by corruption, nepotism and disputed votes since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The GKNB state security agency said it dismantled the preparations of a group of people planning to organise riots "in order to seize power by force", adding that more than 30 people were arrested on Monday. The arrests come just days after a visit to Kyrgyzstan by European Council President Charles Michel, during which President Sadyr Japarov pledged his "readiness to work hand in hand with the European Union". While this mountainous country has long enjoyed a relatively free press and political pluralism in a region where expression remains restricted, NGOs are denouncing an increase in pressure against the media and civil society. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

30 arrested for 'attempted coup' in Kyrgyzstan, confirms official

The Kremlin said on Monday that Russia will build military facilities in Kyrgyzstan. This announcement follows negotiations between the leaders of the two nations in Moscow on the day of the Victory Day Parade.

Russia to build military facility in Kyrgyzstan

<p>Kyrgyzstan's famous Issyk-Kul lake froze because of extreme cold conditions on Saturday (January 14), the news agency Reuters reported, sharing dramatic visuals of the lake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The magnificent lake is known for its scenery and it is also one of the largest high-mountain lakes globally. Issyk-Kul is a lake without a drain and is located in the northeastern part of the Central Asia nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also keeps scientists intrigued as the water of this lake never freezes due to the lake's depth and natural warmth of the water. This is the reason, it was named Issyk-Kul, which means "warm lake" in Kyrgyz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lake is the seventh-deepest lake in the world and it is also the tenth-largest by volume.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="ps">د سختې یخنۍ په وجه د "Issyk-Kul" جهیل چې د نړۍ اووم ژورپروت جهیل بلل کېږي کنګل شوی دی. په قرغیزستان کې دې جهیل ته د نژدې سیمې اوسیدونکي ادعا کوي چې د لومړي ځل لپاره ددې جهیل د کنګل کیدو شاهدان دي.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voasocial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voasocial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voapashto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voapashto</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/voaafghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#voaafghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyrgyzstan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyrgyzstan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Issyk_kul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Issyk_kul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Winter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Winter</a> <a href="https://t.co/gSzKtWJwHu">pic.twitter.com/gSzKtWJwHu</a></p>
— VOA Pashto (@VOAPashto) <a href="https://twitter.com/VOAPashto/status/1614643364946739202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>But the lake froze this year. A local told Reuters that he and his neighbours never saw the lake freeze. During his conversation with the news agency, the resident said: "On January 14, the lake froze. The ice goes about 150 metres (492ft) from shore to the centre of the lake."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were huge ice-boulders but they have all broken up. In some places the ice was 1.5 metres (5ft) thick. We, the locals. have never seen anything like it. It's new for us," the local added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/videos/over-1100-join-ice-run-on-frozen-lake-in-china-194059" hreflang="en">Over 1,100 join ice run on frozen lake in China</a></strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/over-1100-join-ice-run-on-frozen-lake-in-china-194059/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The report also mentioned that as&nbsp;the lake froze&nbsp;during extreme cold,&nbsp;the temperature was recorded at -30C on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes amid harsh winter weather that has swept across Central Asia in the past few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Kyrgyzstan's famous Issyk-Kul lake froze because of extreme cold conditions on Saturday (January 14), the news agency Reuters reported, sharing dramatic visuals of the lake.

Kyrgyzstan's famous Issyk-Kul lake froze because of extreme cold conditions on Saturday (January 14), the news agency Reuters reported, sharing dramatic visuals of the lake. The magnificent lake is known for its scenery and it is also one of the largest high-mountain lakes globally. Issyk-Kul is a lake without a drain and is located in the northeastern part of the Central Asia nation. It also keeps scientists intrigued as the water of this lake never freezes due to the lake's depth and natural warmth of the water. This is the reason, it was named Issyk-Kul, which means "warm lake" in Kyrgyz. The lake is the seventh-deepest lake in the world and it is also the tenth-largest by volume. د سختې یخنۍ په وجه د "Issyk-Kul" جهیل چې د نړۍ اووم ژورپروت جهیل بلل کېږي کنګل شوی دی. په قرغیزستان کې دې جهیل ته د نژدې سیمې اوسیدونکي ادعا کوي چې د لومړي ځل لپاره ددې جهیل د کنګل کیدو شاهدان دي.#voasocial #voapashto #voaafghanistan #Kyrgyzstan #Issyk_kul #Winter pic.twitter.com/gSzKtWJwHu — VOA Pashto (@VOAPashto) January 15, 2023 × But the lake froze this year. A local told Reuters that he and his neighbours never saw the lake freeze. During his conversation with the news agency, the resident said: "On January 14, the lake froze. The ice goes about 150 metres (492ft) from shore to the centre of the lake." "There were huge ice-boulders but they have all broken up. In some places the ice was 1.5 metres (5ft) thick. We, the locals. have never seen anything like it. It's new for us," the local added. WATCH | Over 1,100 join ice run on frozen lake in China The report also mentioned that as the lake froze during extreme cold, the temperature was recorded at -30C on Saturday. This comes amid harsh winter weather that has swept across Central Asia in the past few days. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Never seen anything like it': Extreme cold weather freezes Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul lake

<p>The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work. India and Kyrgyzstan held the first-ever strategic dialogue in 2021. Marat, who is the counterpart of India's national security advisor Ajit Doval, is in India to take part in the first ever India Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet.</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Imankulov&nbsp;expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan. He said,&nbsp;"We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from where terrorism emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country".</p>

<p>Since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year in August, the security situation in the country has deteriorated even as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. The Kyrgyz security chief&nbsp;called on the&nbsp;"world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.". He also welcomed India's humanitarian support to the Afghan people, one that included food, medicines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The India, Central Asia NSA or national security advisors meet, how do you see the meeting, a new mechanism to resolve regional issues like drug trafficking or narcotics?</p>

<p><strong>Marat Imankulov:</strong> Thank you very much. This meeting we are holding of the NSAs and secretaries of the national security council of the central Asian states is not any kind of separate&nbsp;grouping of our countries apart from anyone else. Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;considers it continuation of the dialogue that was held last year, in November in Delhi. That was the initiative&nbsp;of India, countries of central Asian regions met along with countries of China, Russia and Iran. We look upon it as a continuation of that, we don't&nbsp;feel that it is something we are holding separately, apart from other countries. Issues discussed&nbsp;are continuation of the dialogue&nbsp;last year. Before that I had a bilateral meeting with NSA Ajit Doval of India. The meeting in Delhi of India, Central Asian NSAs is part of wider dialogue as I mentioned earlier. It is important&nbsp;for us to discuss security issues not only in the region but also in the world because we see armed conflict in different&nbsp;parts of the world and security is an issue of concern to everyone. International organizations, for instance the UN, is not able to cope with the situation developing in different parts of the world. The initiative that India has taken to hold this meeting is something we are grateful for; it gives us an opportunity&nbsp;to discuss&nbsp;all kinds of security issues and it is always useful. It is important&nbsp;to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. As we know when the Taliban came to power, sometime back they said the Taliban would not be a threat to anybody, they will put a stop to drug trafficking, but we know that it has not happened, and&nbsp;security issues remain a big question when it comes to Afghanistan.&nbsp;I would like to add, something other central Asian countries have also said, we are of the same view that after gaining independence, all the central Asian countries have cooperated with India. We have had close cooperation with India, and we cherish the friendship. This year, we celebrated&nbsp;the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan. We have historic relations, we have relations in areas like tourism, transport, economic, military technical cooperation. We intend to continue expanding cooperation. For us,&nbsp;India is a friendly country, it is a partner country and it's an influential country with a rapidly growing economy.&nbsp;It is a large country with over one billion population. In January, the India central Asia summit took place, and our leaders gave us the task to hold the national security advisor&nbsp;meeting. I think all of us are of the same view, the issue of stability in the region and how we need to work towards it for lasting peace. My colleagues spoke about it during today's meeting, and we spoke about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. We had the winter coming up and many people are on the verge of starvation in Afghanistan. We are looking at a crisis situation in that country and&nbsp;we call on the world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.&nbsp;We all want to see Afghanistan getting on to the path of stability and prosperity, no matter which government is in power over there.&nbsp;We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from which territory emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country or any other region in the world.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you see India as a security partner?</p>

<p><strong>Marat Imankulov:</strong>&nbsp;We look upon India as a very reliable partner in the region. For us India has always been a very close partner.&nbsp;We have the same views on the issues of security, India also wants stability in the region. How we will get stability is to move towards development. If we work on development&nbsp;issues, if we work on development of the countries, it will ensure stability. For this we should not be having any problems or conflicts and what we need is peaceful coexistence and economic development for the entire region to be peaceful, secure and to be stable. So, all of us need to take coordinated efforts, we are working towards it, both with India and our neighbors-- our close neighbours in central Asia as well as the bigger countries in the region, with Russia, China and also with Iran and Pakistan. These are also our SCO partners, so we meet often, and we discuss security issues in that format as well. All these will give positive results and we have been working together. I am confident that our joint work in the area of ensuring security will give our people a chance to live in peace and to go ahead on development and prosperity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> India and Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;have expressed concerns over the situation in Afghanistan. You have pointed to issue of terrorist using spaces in Afghanistan and India has expressed concerns over Pakistan based terrorists finding space. What solution do you see in Afghanistan and what role do you see for India?</p>

<p><strong>Marat Imankulov:</strong> The Afghan situation is a problem that Afghan need to themselves solve. It is an intra Afghan problem, they need to work on themselves. They need to decide for themselves how they want to live and how they want to live while working towards solving it. It is up to Afghan people to take a call on the matter. Now there are threats emanating from Afghanistan that are present in the country.&nbsp;Terror organizations are in Afghanistan, we know it, the Afghans govt keeps saying they will not allow them to function on its territory, but we know this is not really the case in practice.&nbsp;The terrorist organizations which are working and functioning and carrying out activities in the territory of Afghanistan are also threatening the neighboring countries, the CIS and others. They are moving across the borders of Afghanistan. They are presenting a threat to the region as well. It is not just India and Kyrgyzstan who want peace and accord, all the countries of the region want peace, accord and consensus. We want the government of Afghanistan should be controlling all the territories which belong to them. It should not all any international terrorist organization from function from the country. They must work towards stopping&nbsp;drug trafficking.&nbsp;We know the harvest of Opium has been growing. The data shows, as compared to last year.&nbsp;These drugs and opium&nbsp;then spread and go through neighboring countries. Our security gets impacted and from the region it goes to the rest of the world. India and Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;despite not being immediate neighbors, are close neighbors and are equally concerned about it. I would like to repeat that the&nbsp;international community is not doing enough to extend the necessary aid to Afghanistan, to the common people over there. We have winter coming up and they are facing such difficult issues, with shortage of food, electricity, and nearly 23 million are starving which is a huge number and maybe this winter another 2-3 million will be added. First of all, I think it's the UN which really needs to work in this area. We can't&nbsp;leave the common people of Afghanistan to starvation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> You used the phrase Afghan government. Do you recognise the Taliban regime? Also, India has sent humanitarian assistance to Afghan people. How do you see it?</p>

<p><strong>Marat Imankulov:&nbsp;</strong>We have not recognised, just have others have not recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But you have to deal with the facts.&nbsp;They are in power, what is important for us to see is that we are able to move towards stability and security in the region. Just like the others, we have been in contact with them, India has been in touch with them. Our officials have gone to Afghanistan, and one has to deal with the facts on the ground.&nbsp;We certainly welcome humanitarian assistance extended by India to Afghanistan and this is very important.&nbsp;We are in the 21st century and you cannot leave people to suffer like that on the verge of starvation. It is just not civilized. So, Kyrgyzstan also feels the same way and was the first country in Central Asia to send humanitarian aid, we had sent food for the people. We have some ethnic Kyrgyz who live in Afghanistan. We have sent them food, medicine and basic necessities. The areas they live are in the north, in the mountains where the climate is very harsh, where 6 months it is very cold and here, I have to say that not only did the Taliban regime not obstruct the aid we were extending to them, but they also even helped us to reach the aid to the people. We certainly welcome the humanitarian aid extended by India and other countries as well. We feel everyone should do it because this is a situation where mankind is being tested as to how civilized we are.&nbsp;In our region this is a test for humanity, mankind's level of civilization.&nbsp;It is very important for us, and we have discussed this to try and bring stability in the region, to bring development in the region, all this was discussed at the India Central Asia NSAs meeting. I would like to thank India for the hospitality and warm welcome given to our delegation. We visited historic monuments, the Qutub Minar, a visit organized by the Indian side. It is so wonderfully preserved. Whole of India has so many interesting monuments all over, I would love to see them, and I think I have to come again for it. I would like to wish peace and prosperity&nbsp;to the people of India and look forward to continuing friendly and cooperative relations into the future.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work.

The Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic Marat Imankulov has termed India a "very reliable partner in the region", one with which Bishkek will work. India and Kyrgyzstan held the first-ever strategic dialogue in 2021. Marat, who is the counterpart of India's national security advisor Ajit Doval, is in India to take part in the first ever India Central Asia National Security Advisors (NSAs) meet. In an exclusive conversation with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Secretary Imankulov expressed concern over the security situation in Afghanistan. He said, "We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from where terrorism emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country". Since Taliban takeover of Afghanistan last year in August, the security situation in the country has deteriorated even as the humanitarian situation deteriorates. The Kyrgyz security chief called on the "world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible.". He also welcomed India's humanitarian support to the Afghan people, one that included food, medicines. WION: The India, Central Asia NSA or national security advisors meet, how do you see the meeting, a new mechanism to resolve regional issues like drug trafficking or narcotics? Marat Imankulov: Thank you very much. This meeting we are holding of the NSAs and secretaries of the national security council of the central Asian states is not any kind of separate grouping of our countries apart from anyone else. Kyrgyzstan considers it continuation of the dialogue that was held last year, in November in Delhi. That was the initiative of India, countries of central Asian regions met along with countries of China, Russia and Iran. We look upon it as a continuation of that, we don't feel that it is something we are holding separately, apart from other countries. Issues discussed are continuation of the dialogue last year. Before that I had a bilateral meeting with NSA Ajit Doval of India. The meeting in Delhi of India, Central Asian NSAs is part of wider dialogue as I mentioned earlier. It is important for us to discuss security issues not only in the region but also in the world because we see armed conflict in different parts of the world and security is an issue of concern to everyone. International organizations, for instance the UN, is not able to cope with the situation developing in different parts of the world. The initiative that India has taken to hold this meeting is something we are grateful for; it gives us an opportunity to discuss all kinds of security issues and it is always useful. It is important to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. As we know when the Taliban came to power, sometime back they said the Taliban would not be a threat to anybody, they will put a stop to drug trafficking, but we know that it has not happened, and security issues remain a big question when it comes to Afghanistan. I would like to add, something other central Asian countries have also said, we are of the same view that after gaining independence, all the central Asian countries have cooperated with India. We have had close cooperation with India, and we cherish the friendship. This year, we celebrated the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Kyrgyzstan. We have historic relations, we have relations in areas like tourism, transport, economic, military technical cooperation. We intend to continue expanding cooperation. For us, India is a friendly country, it is a partner country and it's an influential country with a rapidly growing economy. It is a large country with over one billion population. In January, the India central Asia summit took place, and our leaders gave us the task to hold the national security advisor meeting. I think all of us are of the same view, the issue of stability in the region and how we need to work towards it for lasting peace. My colleagues spoke about it during today's meeting, and we spoke about the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. We had the winter coming up and many people are on the verge of starvation in Afghanistan. We are looking at a crisis situation in that country and we call on the world community to come to aid and assistance to the long-suffering people of Afghanistan, to give as much humanitarian aid as possible. We all want to see Afghanistan getting on to the path of stability and prosperity, no matter which government is in power over there. We want Afghanistan to stop being a territory, a country from which territory emanates. We want to see it as a country which does not present a threat to any other country or any other region in the world. WION: How do you see India as a security partner? Marat Imankulov: We look upon India as a very reliable partner in the region. For us India has always been a very close partner. We have the same views on the issues of security, India also wants stability in the region. How we will get stability is to move towards development. If we work on development issues, if we work on development of the countries, it will ensure stability. For this we should not be having any problems or conflicts and what we need is peaceful coexistence and economic development for the entire region to be peaceful, secure and to be stable. So, all of us need to take coordinated efforts, we are working towards it, both with India and our neighbors-- our close neighbours in central Asia as well as the bigger countries in the region, with Russia, China and also with Iran and Pakistan. These are also our SCO partners, so we meet often, and we discuss security issues in that format as well. All these will give positive results and we have been working together. I am confident that our joint work in the area of ensuring security will give our people a chance to live in peace and to go ahead on development and prosperity. WION: India and Kyrgyzstan have expressed concerns over the situation in Afghanistan. You have pointed to issue of terrorist using spaces in Afghanistan and India has expressed concerns over Pakistan based terrorists finding space. What solution do you see in Afghanistan and what role do you see for India? Marat Imankulov: The Afghan situation is a problem that Afghan need to themselves solve. It is an intra Afghan problem, they need to work on themselves. They need to decide for themselves how they want to live and how they want to live while working towards solving it. It is up to Afghan people to take a call on the matter. Now there are threats emanating from Afghanistan that are present in the country. Terror organizations are in Afghanistan, we know it, the Afghans govt keeps saying they will not allow them to function on its territory, but we know this is not really the case in practice. The terrorist organizations which are working and functioning and carrying out activities in the territory of Afghanistan are also threatening the neighboring countries, the CIS and others. They are moving across the borders of Afghanistan. They are presenting a threat to the region as well. It is not just India and Kyrgyzstan who want peace and accord, all the countries of the region want peace, accord and consensus. We want the government of Afghanistan should be controlling all the territories which belong to them. It should not all any international terrorist organization from function from the country. They must work towards stopping drug trafficking. We know the harvest of Opium has been growing. The data shows, as compared to last year. These drugs and opium then spread and go through neighboring countries. Our security gets impacted and from the region it goes to the rest of the world. India and Kyrgyzstan despite not being immediate neighbors, are close neighbors and are equally concerned about it. I would like to repeat that the international community is not doing enough to extend the necessary aid to Afghanistan, to the common people over there. We have winter coming up and they are facing such difficult issues, with shortage of food, electricity, and nearly 23 million are starving which is a huge number and maybe this winter another 2-3 million will be added. First of all, I think it's the UN which really needs to work in this area. We can't leave the common people of Afghanistan to starvation. WION: You used the phrase Afghan government. Do you recognise the Taliban regime? Also, India has sent humanitarian assistance to Afghan people. How do you see it? Marat Imankulov: We have not recognised, just have others have not recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But you have to deal with the facts. They are in power, what is important for us to see is that we are able to move towards stability and security in the region. Just like the others, we have been in contact with them, India has been in touch with them. Our officials have gone to Afghanistan, and one has to deal with the facts on the ground. We certainly welcome humanitarian assistance extended by India to Afghanistan and this is very important. We are in the 21st century and you cannot leave people to suffer like that on the verge of starvation. It is just not civilized. So, Kyrgyzstan also feels the same way and was the first country in Central Asia to send humanitarian aid, we had sent food for the people. We have some ethnic Kyrgyz who live in Afghanistan. We have sent them food, medicine and basic necessities. The areas they live are in the north, in the mountains where the climate is very harsh, where 6 months it is very cold and here, I have to say that not only did the Taliban regime not obstruct the aid we were extending to them, but they also even helped us to reach the aid to the people. We certainly welcome the humanitarian aid extended by India and other countries as well. We feel everyone should do it because this is a situation where mankind is being tested as to how civilized we are. In our region this is a test for humanity, mankind's level of civilization. It is very important for us, and we have discussed this to try and bring stability in the region, to bring development in the region, all this was discussed at the India Central Asia NSAs meeting. I would like to thank India for the hospitality and warm welcome given to our delegation. We visited historic monuments, the Qutub Minar, a visit organized by the Indian side. It is so wonderfully preserved. Whole of India has so many interesting monuments all over, I would love to see them, and I think I have to come again for it. I would like to wish peace and prosperity to the people of India and look forward to continuing friendly and cooperative relations into the future.

Kyrgyzstan's security chief calls India reliable partner, expresses concern on situation in Afghanistan

The clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that took place on September 15-16, killed around 100 people. The ceasefire is on since Friday after Russia called for de-escalation.

Around 100 reported dead in clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{161}" paraid="1308182159">The border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has officially claimed around 100 lives, according to authorities on both sides. The two Central Asian countries were engaged in intense fighting between September 14 to 16 as both accused each other of attacking their outposts near the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{167}" paraid="799014107">However, a ceasefire was finally reached after two days of fighting with Russia calling for de-escalation in the region. While it has been comparatively peaceful over the last two days, tensions remain between the two neighbouring countries who also clashed last year in April resulting in around 50 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{167}" paraid="799014107">Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warned-of-investor-fallout-by-joe-biden-if-china-backs-russias-war-517490" hreflang="en">Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China</a></p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{177}" paraid="329436591">The conflict dates back to the time when both countries were part of the Soviet Union and a haphazard division of the region resulted in a number of multi-ethnic groups. Over time, that has resulted in a common mistrust regarding the shared border and clashes have become the norm.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{183}" paraid="2142734784">In an official statement, Kyrgyzstan said that they have lost 13 more people in fighting – taking the total death tally to 46. In addition, they also said that 102 people were injured and under observation.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{189}" paraid="665601338">Tajikistan also reported 35 more casualties in the ongoing conflict, according to state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{759d8789-bdae-4b61-83ee-0bdcb203985a}{189}" paraid="665601338">Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-storm-fiona-hits-guadeloupe-macron-says-france-to-recognise-state-of-natural-disaster-517475">France recognises state of natural disaster in Guadeloupe after Fiona: Macron</a></p>

<p paraeid="{c45e8c8e-5b60-4217-9392-c513c61ea96a}{137}" paraid="834889343" >Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with both countries’ leaders. &nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{fb02438d-ed9c-4fbd-80e9-8938f0e094c1}{88}" paraid="888182064" >"Vladimir Putin urged the sides to prevent further escalation and to take measures to resolve the situation exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means as soon as possible, and confirmed Russia's readiness to provide the necessary assistance to ensure stability in the Kyrgyz-Tajik border region." Kremlin said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{c45e8c8e-5b60-4217-9392-c513c61ea96a}{86}" paraid="533955295" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has officially claimed around 100 lives, according to authorities on both sides. The two Central Asian countries were engaged in intense fighting between September 14 to 16 as both accused each other of attacking their outposts near the border.

The border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan has officially claimed around 100 lives, according to authorities on both sides. The two Central Asian countries were engaged in intense fighting between September 14 to 16 as both accused each other of attacking their outposts near the border. However, a ceasefire was finally reached after two days of fighting with Russia calling for de-escalation in the region. While it has been comparatively peaceful over the last two days, tensions remain between the two neighbouring countries who also clashed last year in April resulting in around 50 deaths. Also read | Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China The conflict dates back to the time when both countries were part of the Soviet Union and a haphazard division of the region resulted in a number of multi-ethnic groups. Over time, that has resulted in a common mistrust regarding the shared border and clashes have become the norm. In an official statement, Kyrgyzstan said that they have lost 13 more people in fighting – taking the total death tally to 46. In addition, they also said that 102 people were injured and under observation. Tajikistan also reported 35 more casualties in the ongoing conflict, according to state media. Also read | France recognises state of natural disaster in Guadeloupe after Fiona: Macron Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with both countries’ leaders. "Vladimir Putin urged the sides to prevent further escalation and to take measures to resolve the situation exclusively by peaceful, political and diplomatic means as soon as possible, and confirmed Russia's readiness to provide the necessary assistance to ensure stability in the Kyrgyz-Tajik border region." Kremlin said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll in border conflict between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan nears 100

<p>Intense battles were reported between Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbour Tajikistan on Friday, killing at least 24 people. Both of the small impoverished landlocked nations have accused each other of restarting fighting in a disputed area, despite a ceasefire deal. In a statement, the Kyrgyz border service said its forces were continuing to repel Tajik attacks.</p>

<p>"From the Tajik side, shelling of the positions of the Kyrgyz side continues, and in some areas intense battles are going on," it said.</p>

<p>The Kyrgyz health ministry informed that 24 citizens had been killed and 87 wounded, Russia's Interfax news agency said. Kamchybek Tashiev, the head of the Kyrgyz state committee on national security, was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying military casualties had been high.</p>

<p>"The situation is difficult and as for what will happen tomorrow, no one can give any guarantees," he said.</p>

<p>The Kyrgyz ministry of emergency situations said more than 136,000 civilians had been evacuated from the conflict zone, Interfax said. Earlier on Friday, Moscow urged a cessation of hostilities.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon agreed to order a ceasefire and troop pullback at a regional summit in Uzbekistan, Japarov's office said.</p>

<p>Clashes over the poorly demarcated border are frequent, but usually de-escalate quickly.</p>

<p>Central Asian border issues largely stem from the Soviet era when Moscow tried to divide the region between groups whose settlements were often located amidst those of other ethnicities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Intense battles were reported between Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbour Tajikistan on Friday, killing at least 24 people. Both of the small impoverished landlocked nations have accused each other of restarting fighting in a disputed area, despite a ceasefire deal.

Intense battles were reported between Kyrgyzstan and its Central Asian neighbour Tajikistan on Friday, killing at least 24 people. Both of the small impoverished landlocked nations have accused each other of restarting fighting in a disputed area, despite a ceasefire deal. In a statement, the Kyrgyz border service said its forces were continuing to repel Tajik attacks. "From the Tajik side, shelling of the positions of the Kyrgyz side continues, and in some areas intense battles are going on," it said. The Kyrgyz health ministry informed that 24 citizens had been killed and 87 wounded, Russia's Interfax news agency said. Kamchybek Tashiev, the head of the Kyrgyz state committee on national security, was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying military casualties had been high. "The situation is difficult and as for what will happen tomorrow, no one can give any guarantees," he said. The Kyrgyz ministry of emergency situations said more than 136,000 civilians had been evacuated from the conflict zone, Interfax said. Earlier on Friday, Moscow urged a cessation of hostilities. Earlier in the day Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rakhmon agreed to order a ceasefire and troop pullback at a regional summit in Uzbekistan, Japarov's office said. Clashes over the poorly demarcated border are frequent, but usually de-escalate quickly. Central Asian border issues largely stem from the Soviet era when Moscow tried to divide the region between groups whose settlements were often located amidst those of other ethnicities. (With inputs from agencies)

Heavy fighting reported between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, 24 killed

<p>A group of people while on a guided tour of Kyrgyzstan's mountains had a very lucky escape. The group of ten, which had nine Britons and one American escaped an avalanche and they have the footage to prove it. The incident took place in the wildly beautiful Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Harry Shimmin, one of the people on the lucky trekking group has uploaded a video of the whole incident on Instagram, in which their narrow escape from death. The video has left people flabbergasted, with its intensity, and in just a few hours it has already gained more than 3,45,000 views and 37.5 thousand likes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protesters-celebrate-in-sri-lankas-ransacked-president-palace-take-a-look-496286" hreflang="en">Protesters celebrate in Sri Lanka's ransacked presidential palace. Take a look!</a></strong></p>

<p>Taking to Instagram, Shimmin writes an account of the incident. He wrote, that as the group was venturing onto the mountain slopes Shimmin had "separated from the group to take pictures on top of a hill/cliff edge," when he heard “the sound of deep ice cracking behind me”.</p>

<p>He then proceeded to hide behind a rock for shelter, but even there, protected from the avalanche, he was scared. Describing the jarring moment he writes:&nbsp;"When the snow started coming over and it got dark / harder to breath, I was bricking it and thought I might die."</p>

<p>"Behind the rock it was like being inside a blizzard."</p>

<p><strong>Aslo read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-fries-with-burgers-mcdonalds-substitute-in-russia-hit-by-potato-shortage-496220" hreflang="en">No fries with burgers! McDonald’s substitute in Russia hit by potato shortage</a></strong></p>

<p>Thankfully the whole group survived. One of the group members had "cut her knee quite badly", while another had some bruising from falling off of a horse. But other than that, the group survived the harrowing incident almost unscathed.</p>

<p>"The whole group was laughing and crying, happy to be alive (including the girl who cut her knee). It was only later we realised just how lucky we’d been. If we had walked 5 minutes further on our trek, we would all be dead."</p>

<p>Check out the video here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfyT6xcA27D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfyT6xcA27D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfyT6xcA27D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CfyT6xcA27D/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Harry Shimmin (@harryshimmin)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The visuals in the video are "insane" and luck is definitely on the side of these adventurers. As one comment put it they "should consider buying a lottery ticket" when they get home.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A group of people while on a guided tour of Kyrgyzstan's mountains had a very lucky escape. The group of ten, which had nine Britons and one American escaped an avalanche and they have the footage to prove it.

A group of people while on a guided tour of Kyrgyzstan's mountains had a very lucky escape. The group of ten, which had nine Britons and one American escaped an avalanche and they have the footage to prove it. The incident took place in the wildly beautiful Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan. Harry Shimmin, one of the people on the lucky trekking group has uploaded a video of the whole incident on Instagram, in which their narrow escape from death. The video has left people flabbergasted, with its intensity, and in just a few hours it has already gained more than 3,45,000 views and 37.5 thousand likes. Also read | Protesters celebrate in Sri Lanka's ransacked presidential palace. Take a look! Taking to Instagram, Shimmin writes an account of the incident. He wrote, that as the group was venturing onto the mountain slopes Shimmin had "separated from the group to take pictures on top of a hill/cliff edge," when he heard “the sound of deep ice cracking behind me”. He then proceeded to hide behind a rock for shelter, but even there, protected from the avalanche, he was scared. Describing the jarring moment he writes: "When the snow started coming over and it got dark / harder to breath, I was bricking it and thought I might die." "Behind the rock it was like being inside a blizzard." Aslo read | No fries with burgers! McDonald’s substitute in Russia hit by potato shortage Thankfully the whole group survived. One of the group members had "cut her knee quite badly", while another had some bruising from falling off of a horse. But other than that, the group survived the harrowing incident almost unscathed. "The whole group was laughing and crying, happy to be alive (including the girl who cut her knee). It was only later we realised just how lucky we’d been. If we had walked 5 minutes further on our trek, we would all be dead." Check out the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harry Shimmin (@harryshimmin) × The visuals in the video are "insane" and luck is definitely on the side of these adventurers. As one comment put it they "should consider buying a lottery ticket" when they get home. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tourists catch a 'lucky' break, escape humongous avalanche, while capturing mind-blowing video. Watch it here

In Kyrgyzstan, residents are struggling to make ends meet due to exponential increase of the cost of living and lack of jobs. Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have only worsened the situation.

Kyrgyzstan endures soaring inflation and poverty, residents struggle to find work

<p>After over two decades, Kyrgyzstan has taken full control of Kumtor Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Central Asia.</p>

<p>The goldmine was at the heart of the battle between the Kyrgyzstan government and Canadian mining company Centerra Gold. The mine is the 2nd highest in the world, behind Peru's Yanacocha mines.</p>

<p>President Sadyr Japarov, in an address to the nation earlier this month, said, "We have just signed an agreement with Centerra to resolve this dispute...Kumtor is now owned completely by Kyrgyzstan.”</p>

<p>The mine will now come under the direct control of Kyrgystan’s state-owned Kyrgyzaltyn after an out off-court settlement with Centerra.</p>

<p>Now, with full control of the mine, the Central Asian Country is expected to get $53 million even as the Canadian company ends all litigation against Kyrgyzaltyn in the United States, Sweden and Canada.</p>

<p>The mine is valued at US $3 billion. &nbsp;Over the next 10 years, according to Kyrgyz estimates, the mines can produce 160-200 tons of gold worth nearly at least US$5 billion dollars.</p>

<p>Highlighting the significance of the development, President Sadyr explained, "It is no exaggeration to say that today is a true turning point in the history of our country. Today, our people have taken responsibility for their fate into their own hands".</p>

<p>He added, "Our national assets are now exactly where they should be – in our own hands. This proves that we are on the path of sustainable development and growth."</p>

<p>Notably, the Kyrgyz foreign ministry had invited foreign envoys to visit the mines last year. These included envoys of India, UK, representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan and delegates from the United Nations Resident Coordinator, UN FAO, UNDP.</p>

<p>The visit took place a month after Kyrgyzstan had taken over the mine from Canada's Centerra.</p>

<p>The Kumtor gold deposit is located at the Tien Shan Metallogenic Belt, also known as the Asian Gold belt that stretches from Uzbekistan to China's Xinjiang.</p>


After over two decades, Kyrgyzstan has taken full control of Kumtor Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Central Asia. The goldmine was at the heart of the battle between the Kyrgyzstan government and Canadian mining company Centerra Gold.

After over two decades, Kyrgyzstan has taken full control of Kumtor Gold Mine, one of the largest gold mines in Central Asia. The goldmine was at the heart of the battle between the Kyrgyzstan government and Canadian mining company Centerra Gold. The mine is the 2nd highest in the world, behind Peru's Yanacocha mines. President Sadyr Japarov, in an address to the nation earlier this month, said, "We have just signed an agreement with Centerra to resolve this dispute...Kumtor is now owned completely by Kyrgyzstan.” The mine will now come under the direct control of Kyrgystan’s state-owned Kyrgyzaltyn after an out off-court settlement with Centerra. Now, with full control of the mine, the Central Asian Country is expected to get $53 million even as the Canadian company ends all litigation against Kyrgyzaltyn in the United States, Sweden and Canada. The mine is valued at US $3 billion. Over the next 10 years, according to Kyrgyz estimates, the mines can produce 160-200 tons of gold worth nearly at least US$5 billion dollars. Highlighting the significance of the development, President Sadyr explained, "It is no exaggeration to say that today is a true turning point in the history of our country. Today, our people have taken responsibility for their fate into their own hands". He added, "Our national assets are now exactly where they should be – in our own hands. This proves that we are on the path of sustainable development and growth." Notably, the Kyrgyz foreign ministry had invited foreign envoys to visit the mines last year. These included envoys of India, UK, representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan and delegates from the United Nations Resident Coordinator, UN FAO, UNDP. The visit took place a month after Kyrgyzstan had taken over the mine from Canada's Centerra. The Kumtor gold deposit is located at the Tien Shan Metallogenic Belt, also known as the Asian Gold belt that stretches from Uzbekistan to China's Xinjiang.

Kyrgyzstan takes full control of Central Asia’s largest gold mine

"If we are going to use Chabahar port, the duration of delivery of good from India to Kyrgyzstan will be just two weeks from the current 30 or 45 days using different ports", Envoy of Kyrgyzstan Republic Asein Isaev tells WION's Siddhant Sibbal during an exclusive conservation.

WION Exclusive: Ties with India goes back decades, says Kyrgyzstan's envoy Asein Isaev

Power began trickling back to the three central Asian countries which are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. After one of the biggest blackouts in the region's history, millions of major cities of the three former soviet nations were left without power after an electricity grid accident.

Power began trickling back in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan after biggest ever blackout

<p>The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan,&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected.</p>

<p>The grids of the three ex-Soviet republics are interconnected, and via Kazakhstan are linked to the Russian power grid which they can use to cover unexpected shortages.</p>

<p>But Kazakhstan's North-South power line, which links densely populated southern Kazakhstan and its two neighbours to major power stations in northern Kazakhstan and the Russian network, was disconnected on Tuesday morning due to "emergency imbalances" in the Central Asian part of the grid, grid operator KEGOC said.</p>

<p>The blackout caused chaos across the region for several hours, with subway trains stuck in tunnels and skiers on lifts, airports closing, district heating and tap water pumps going idle and traffic lights switching off.</p>

<p>Neither of the three countries reported any problems with its power stations that could have caused the imbalances.</p>

<p>Kazakhstan, which has previously experienced power shortages due to the influx of cryptocurrency miners, has started routinely cutting off their power supply and did so from Jan. 24 until the end of the month, according to a document published online by one of the local miners.</p>

<p>Outages were reported in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and several major southern cities close to the Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders. The airport of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, briefly stopped accepting flights.</p>

<p>Authorities in&nbsp;Uzbekistan&nbsp;and Kyrgyzstan said they were restarting power plants after emergency shutdowns and would initially remain disconnected from the Central Asian grid.</p>


The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected.

The central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan suffered electrical power outages in major cities on Tuesday, according to authorities and residents, after a major power line in Kazakhstan was disconnected. The grids of the three ex-Soviet republics are interconnected, and via Kazakhstan are linked to the Russian power grid which they can use to cover unexpected shortages. But Kazakhstan's North-South power line, which links densely populated southern Kazakhstan and its two neighbours to major power stations in northern Kazakhstan and the Russian network, was disconnected on Tuesday morning due to "emergency imbalances" in the Central Asian part of the grid, grid operator KEGOC said. The blackout caused chaos across the region for several hours, with subway trains stuck in tunnels and skiers on lifts, airports closing, district heating and tap water pumps going idle and traffic lights switching off. Neither of the three countries reported any problems with its power stations that could have caused the imbalances. Kazakhstan, which has previously experienced power shortages due to the influx of cryptocurrency miners, has started routinely cutting off their power supply and did so from Jan. 24 until the end of the month, according to a document published online by one of the local miners. Outages were reported in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty and several major southern cities close to the Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders. The airport of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, briefly stopped accepting flights. Authorities in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan said they were restarting power plants after emergency shutdowns and would initially remain disconnected from the Central Asian grid.

Power blackout hits Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

A new wild animal rehabilitation center that has opened in Kyrgyzstan is hoping to reverse the damage climate change has done to the country's population of snow leopards. Often dubbed the "Switzerland of Central Asia," Kyrgyzstan's colossal mountains provided the perfect setting for snow leopards, but due to poaching, their numbers have fallen in recent years.

Kyrgyzstan new sanctuary welcomes snow leopards | WION Edge

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar landed in Kyrgystan on Sunday, for the 1st leg of his visit to further expand bilateral ties with three key Central Asian countries. Jaishankar was welcomed at the airport by Kyrgyz Deputy Foreign Minister and Indian Ambassador Alok A Dimri.

Jaishankar landed in Kyrgystan to expand bilateral ties with key central Asian countries

kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, News on Kyrgyzstan, stories on Kyrgyzstan, articles on Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan stories at Wion, Kyrgyzstan news, Kyrgyzstan latest news