People protesting the results of a parliamentary election in Kyrgyzstan broke into government and security headquarters early on Tuesday and freed a former president from custody, local news websites said.

Kyrgyzstan: Hundreds storm parliament over vote-rigging claims

Kyrgyzstan goes to the polls to choose a new parliament Sunday with electors and smaller parties afraid vote buying will spoil a rare competitive election in former Soviet Central Asia.

Surrounded by authoritarian states with rubber-stamp legislatures, elections in mountainous Kyrgyzstan offer a colourful and sometimes unpredictable contrast.

Yet with the coronavirus pandemic battering paltry incomes, many observers are warning that the stage is set for massive ballot fraud by well-resourced parties.

Aisuluu Alybayeva, a 34-year-old school teacher in the capital Bishkek, told AFP she hoped the parties that made it into parliament would not be the same ones "buying people", whose votes sometimes cost as little as $25, according to reports.

The pandemic that saw new cases and deaths peak in July in Kyrgyzstan showed voters "how (officials) work," Alybayeva said.

"When the pandemic hit, our lawmakers took their (scheduled) holiday. I personally took offence."

Voting across the country begins at 0200 GMT and concludes at 1400 GMT, with the first results expected late on Sunday.

Rift over Russia

Of sixteen parties competing, two are almost certain to take seats in the 120-member legislature.

The Birimdik (Unity) party is viewed as loyal to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and includes the president's brother and former parliamentary speaker Asylbek Jeenbekov among its candidates.

Its main rival, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan (My Homeland Kyrgyzstan), is associated with the powerful Matraimov family, whose figurehead Rayimbek Matraimov -- a former Customs Service official -- was the target of anti-corruption protests last year.

Both parties have spoken in favour of further integration with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union bloc, which has raised the status of hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants working in Russia since Kyrgyzstan joined in 2015.

But Birimdik's party chairman Marat Amankulov sparked indignation after comments emerged from last year of him saying it was "time to return" to Moscow's fold.

Rivals accused him of undervaluing Kyrgyz independence.

In a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Monday, Jeenbekov warned of "forces" that wanted to "drive a wedge into the (Kyrgyz-Russian) alliance" -- an apparent reference to a pro-sovereignty rally held in opposition to Amankulov's comments in the capital Bishkek last Sunday.

On Friday, the state prosecutor said it was investigating a video widely distributed on messaging apps.

The video, which showed two male students from a top university secretly filmed in a hotel room, appeared to imply that opposition parties were supportive of homosexuality, which is deeply frowned on in the conservative country.

The opposition parties targeted said this was an attempt to smear them ahead of the vote.

The state prosecutor is also investigating accusations that one party bribed voters with sacks of coal, the office said.

Political drama

Revolutions unseating two authoritarian presidents in the space of five years were seen as the driving force behind a fresh constitution to curb authoritarian excess and contain political in-fighting in 2010.

Electoral laws dictate that no one party can take more than 65 seats in the 120-member legislature.

Presidents are limited to a single six-year term -- a departure from the strongman trend seen in neighbours China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Jeenbekov will be hoping for a cooperative parliament as he plans for life after his term ends in 2023, knowing that his own predecessor and former protege Almazbek Atambayev is currently languishing in jail.

Tensions between the pair grew following Jeenbekov's electoral victory in 2017, peaking last year with a shootout at Atambayev's residence between the former president's armed supporters and state security forces trying to arrest him.

Atambayev was detained on charges of illegally releasing a crime boss from jail and jailed for 11 years in June.

He has also been charged in the murder of a Special Forces officer who died during the raid.

Kyrgyzstan goes to the polls to choose a new parliament Sunday with electors and smaller parties afraid vote buying will spoil a rare competitive election in former Soviet Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan goes to the polls to choose a new parliament Sunday with electors and smaller parties afraid vote buying will spoil a rare competitive election in former Soviet Central Asia. Surrounded by authoritarian states with rubber-stamp legislatures, elections in mountainous Kyrgyzstan offer a colourful and sometimes unpredictable contrast. Yet with the coronavirus pandemic battering paltry incomes, many observers are warning that the stage is set for massive ballot fraud by well-resourced parties. Aisuluu Alybayeva, a 34-year-old school teacher in the capital Bishkek, told AFP she hoped the parties that made it into parliament would not be the same ones "buying people", whose votes sometimes cost as little as $25, according to reports. The pandemic that saw new cases and deaths peak in July in Kyrgyzstan showed voters "how (officials) work," Alybayeva said. "When the pandemic hit, our lawmakers took their (scheduled) holiday. I personally took offence." Voting across the country begins at 0200 GMT and concludes at 1400 GMT, with the first results expected late on Sunday. Rift over Russia Of sixteen parties competing, two are almost certain to take seats in the 120-member legislature. The Birimdik (Unity) party is viewed as loyal to President Sooronbai Jeenbekov and includes the president's brother and former parliamentary speaker Asylbek Jeenbekov among its candidates. Its main rival, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan (My Homeland Kyrgyzstan), is associated with the powerful Matraimov family, whose figurehead Rayimbek Matraimov -- a former Customs Service official -- was the target of anti-corruption protests last year. Both parties have spoken in favour of further integration with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union bloc, which has raised the status of hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz migrants working in Russia since Kyrgyzstan joined in 2015. But Birimdik's party chairman Marat Amankulov sparked indignation after comments emerged from last year of him saying it was "time to return" to Moscow's fold. Rivals accused him of undervaluing Kyrgyz independence. In a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Sochi on Monday, Jeenbekov warned of "forces" that wanted to "drive a wedge into the (Kyrgyz-Russian) alliance" -- an apparent reference to a pro-sovereignty rally held in opposition to Amankulov's comments in the capital Bishkek last Sunday. On Friday, the state prosecutor said it was investigating a video widely distributed on messaging apps. The video, which showed two male students from a top university secretly filmed in a hotel room, appeared to imply that opposition parties were supportive of homosexuality, which is deeply frowned on in the conservative country. The opposition parties targeted said this was an attempt to smear them ahead of the vote. The state prosecutor is also investigating accusations that one party bribed voters with sacks of coal, the office said. Political drama Revolutions unseating two authoritarian presidents in the space of five years were seen as the driving force behind a fresh constitution to curb authoritarian excess and contain political in-fighting in 2010. Electoral laws dictate that no one party can take more than 65 seats in the 120-member legislature. Presidents are limited to a single six-year term -- a departure from the strongman trend seen in neighbours China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Jeenbekov will be hoping for a cooperative parliament as he plans for life after his term ends in 2023, knowing that his own predecessor and former protege Almazbek Atambayev is currently languishing in jail. Tensions between the pair grew following Jeenbekov's electoral victory in 2017, peaking last year with a shootout at Atambayev's residence between the former president's armed supporters and state security forces trying to arrest him. Atambayev was detained on charges of illegally releasing a crime boss from jail and jailed for 11 years in June. He has also been charged in the murder of a Special Forces officer who died during the raid.

Kyrgyzstan go to polls as vote-buying fears rise

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men.

The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-migrant-crisis-tense-situation-on-the-greek-turkish-border-285032">Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border</a>

But masked men, some of whom wore traditional Kyrgyz white felt hats, attacked the protesters, grabbing and tearing apart their banners, in the presence of multiple journalists including a Reuters reporter.

The attackers left as soon as police arrived on the scene and proceeded to detain about 50 activists, mostly women.

Watch:&nbsp;

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It was unclear what charges they could face. The Bishkek police department could not be immediately reached for comment.

Citing multiple cases of forced marriage and domestic violence, activists say women's rights are deteriorating in the former Soviet republic of 6 million amid a resurgence of right-wing ideology.

Last December, an art exhibition in Kyrgyzstan that featured a woman undressing in front of an audience was censored by the government, and the head of the gallery resigned after receiving death threats.

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men. The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day.

Police in Kyrgyzstan detained dozens of women's rights activists on Sunday shortly after journalists witnessed the protesters being attacked by masked men. The activists gathered in one of the squares of capital Bishkek in the Central Asian country, to stage a march of solidarity against violence on International Women's Day. Also read: Greece migrant crisis: Tense situation on the Greek-Turkish border But masked men, some of whom wore traditional Kyrgyz white felt hats, attacked the protesters, grabbing and tearing apart their banners, in the presence of multiple journalists including a Reuters reporter. The attackers left as soon as police arrived on the scene and proceeded to detain about 50 activists, mostly women. Watch: × It was unclear what charges they could face. The Bishkek police department could not be immediately reached for comment. Citing multiple cases of forced marriage and domestic violence, activists say women's rights are deteriorating in the former Soviet republic of 6 million amid a resurgence of right-wing ideology. Last December, an art exhibition in Kyrgyzstan that featured a woman undressing in front of an audience was censored by the government, and the head of the gallery resigned after receiving death threats.

Women's rights activists attacked then detained in Kyrgyzstan

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team.&nbsp;

The team called 'Shapak' was&nbsp;formed in the northern village of Otradone&nbsp;which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek. The team was formed&nbsp;three years ago when 15 schoolgirls began training for the game on a farming plot.

The plot's owner Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, who is also the team's coach said that he uses his plot in a multi purposely way, he said: "This is my allotment. In the summer, I cultivate the land here, it's my plot of land. I plant potatoes, sunflowers, you can grow anything here. In summer, it's used for agriculture, in winter, I create an ice rink. This is already the sixth year I've done it, I use my allotment all year round."

<h6><img alt="Salamat Abdyrakhmanov" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05274115-befc-46d7-bf79-230cce58ead4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_23.jpg" /> 
Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, coach of the team | Reuters</h6>

The news of the&nbsp;team's exploits has reached as far as Switzerland. The team&nbsp;received hockey pads through donations by Kyrgyz community living in the village.&nbsp;

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As there are no other female teams to play within the country, the Shapaks locked horns with the male teams to sharpen their skills.&nbsp;

However, the injuries inflicted upon the girls during these matches left the parents concerned.&nbsp;

Aynura Zhasyrkeeva mother to one of the players, said: "I was against it at the beginning, only recently I forbade her from playing."&nbsp;

Her daughter was hit by the puck in the eye&nbsp;which caused the player a concussion. She&nbsp;has recovered now and joined her teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The all-women's&nbsp;team have made a place in the local leagues, they have shattered gender stereotypes in the country which has a world-class men's ice hockey team.&nbsp;

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team. The team called 'Shapak' was formed in the northern village of Otradone which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek.

A remote village in Kyrgyzstan has set an example to the world. A group of girls have come together to form the country's first-ever all-female ice hockey team. The team called 'Shapak' was formed in the northern village of Otradone which is 400 kilometres east of the capital city Bishkek. The team was formed three years ago when 15 schoolgirls began training for the game on a farming plot. The plot's owner Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, who is also the team's coach said that he uses his plot in a multi purposely way, he said: "This is my allotment. In the summer, I cultivate the land here, it's my plot of land. I plant potatoes, sunflowers, you can grow anything here. In summer, it's used for agriculture, in winter, I create an ice rink. This is already the sixth year I've done it, I use my allotment all year round." Salamat Abdyrakhmanov, coach of the team | Reuters The news of the team's exploits has reached as far as Switzerland. The team received hockey pads through donations by Kyrgyz community living in the village. × As there are no other female teams to play within the country, the Shapaks locked horns with the male teams to sharpen their skills. However, the injuries inflicted upon the girls during these matches left the parents concerned. Aynura Zhasyrkeeva mother to one of the players, said: "I was against it at the beginning, only recently I forbade her from playing." Her daughter was hit by the puck in the eye which caused the player a concussion. She has recovered now and joined her teammates. The all-women's team have made a place in the local leagues, they have shattered gender stereotypes in the country which has a world-class men's ice hockey team.

Kyrgyzstan's first all-women ice hockey team shatters gender stereotypes

'Mailbox 200': Ex-Soviet town used for dumping radioactive waste could poison millions

Kyrgyzstan's former president was detained in a major security operation Thursday, police said, a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyrgyz-officer-dies-after-security-forces-storm-ex-presidents-home-241418">clashes between his supporters and law enforcement</a> left one dead and dozens injured.

The Central Asian state, which has seen two revolutions in less than two decades, is on the brink of crisis amid a standoff between ex-leader Almazbek Atambayev and his protege-turned-foe President Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

Atambayev was detained by security services at his residence in the village of Koi-Tash near the capital Bishkek, after the second raid in two days on the compound.

He is currently being held at the building of the State National Security Service (GKNB) while hundreds of his supporters gathered in central Bishkek and blocked a major thoroughfare.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent at the square next to the country's main house of government saw some of the supporters throw stones at a police vehicle driving through the area.&nbsp;

Police later broke up the crowd and brought the area under control using stun grenades. &nbsp;

The square was the site of two uprisings that unseated Kyrgyz presidents in 2005 and 2010.

Key ally Russia's Prime Minister Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Kyrgyzstan Thursday for a meeting of a regional trade bloc and said he hoped that the situation would stabilise.

Kyrgyzstan "has already reached its limit for revolutions," Medvedev said.&nbsp;

"It would be very bad if this kind of event leads to political and, therefore, economic instability in the country."

Second operation successful

A widely shared video from Koi-Tash showed Atambayev negotiate the terms of his surrender with Deputy Interior Minister Kursan Asanov Thursday, securing a guarantee that police would not harm supporters who have holed up with him at the compound in recent weeks.&nbsp;

Police said that no-one had died during the second operation, which saw law enforcement ram a military vehicle through the gates of the residence before using tear gas and smoke grenades to counter resistance from supporters.

Atambayev has ignored three police summonses for questioning in connection with the release of a well-known underworld figure during his presidency. The state prosecutor said Thursday that Atambayev figures in a total of five criminal cases. Critics say the investigations are politically motivated.

On Wednesday an already tense political situation escalated when the national security service announced an operation to take Atambayev from the residence outside Bishkek, capital of the Muslim-majority nation of six million people.

The first operation failed and descended into violence.&nbsp;

Security officers beaten

The health ministry said a special forces officer had died from a gunshot wound and the head of the Chui province police department was in a critical condition after being injured during the clashes on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The ministry said that 98 people required treatment as a result of the clashes on both days.&nbsp;

Early Thursday President Jeenbekov convened a meeting of the state security council and an emergency session of parliament.&nbsp;

Jeenbekov said during the security council meeting that Atambayev had "rudely flouted the Constitution and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic" by resisting detention.&nbsp;

Putin intervention

Parliament in June stripped Atambayev of his immunity as a former president and the state prosecutor brought corruption charges against him.

The standoff has drawn in Russia -- the country's Soviet-era master and traditional political patron -- where hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz work as migrant labourers.&nbsp;

Last month Russian President Vladimir Putin met with both Jeenbekov and Atambayev in Moscow in a bid to defuse the confrontation.&nbsp;

Erica Marat, associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington D.C., said Atambayev's outreach to Putin shows that "he clearly sees himself as a viable political figure in Kyrgyzstan", emboldening his stance against the incumbent leader.

Marat said the pair's confrontation is symptomatic of Kyrgyzstan's failure to reform its security institutions and courts.&nbsp;

"Jeenbekov must now decide whether to escalate violent confrontation with Atambayev's supporters or negotiate," Marat said.

Ex-friends

Jeenbekov and Atambayev were once friends, and the former leader backed the incumbent in 2017 elections that marked an unprecedented peaceful transfer of power between heads of state.

But they fell out just months after Jeenbekov's inauguration as Atambayev publicly criticised his successor and security services arrested several key Atambayev allies.

Political analyst and video blogger Azim Azimov raised fears that the standoff might devolve into a "civil conflict... if both sides decide to take it to the end."

"This is the scariest potential outcome," he said in a video published Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Kyrgyzstan's former president was detained in a major security operation Thursday, police said, a day after clashes between his supporters and law enforcement left one dead and dozens injured.

Kyrgyzstan's former president was detained in a major security operation Thursday, police said, a day after clashes between his supporters and law enforcement left one dead and dozens injured. The Central Asian state, which has seen two revolutions in less than two decades, is on the brink of crisis amid a standoff between ex-leader Almazbek Atambayev and his protege-turned-foe President Sooronbai Jeenbekov. Atambayev was detained by security services at his residence in the village of Koi-Tash near the capital Bishkek, after the second raid in two days on the compound. He is currently being held at the building of the State National Security Service (GKNB) while hundreds of his supporters gathered in central Bishkek and blocked a major thoroughfare. An AFP correspondent at the square next to the country's main house of government saw some of the supporters throw stones at a police vehicle driving through the area. Police later broke up the crowd and brought the area under control using stun grenades. The square was the site of two uprisings that unseated Kyrgyz presidents in 2005 and 2010. Key ally Russia's Prime Minister Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Kyrgyzstan Thursday for a meeting of a regional trade bloc and said he hoped that the situation would stabilise. Kyrgyzstan "has already reached its limit for revolutions," Medvedev said. "It would be very bad if this kind of event leads to political and, therefore, economic instability in the country." Second operation successful A widely shared video from Koi-Tash showed Atambayev negotiate the terms of his surrender with Deputy Interior Minister Kursan Asanov Thursday, securing a guarantee that police would not harm supporters who have holed up with him at the compound in recent weeks. Police said that no-one had died during the second operation, which saw law enforcement ram a military vehicle through the gates of the residence before using tear gas and smoke grenades to counter resistance from supporters. Atambayev has ignored three police summonses for questioning in connection with the release of a well-known underworld figure during his presidency. The state prosecutor said Thursday that Atambayev figures in a total of five criminal cases. Critics say the investigations are politically motivated. On Wednesday an already tense political situation escalated when the national security service announced an operation to take Atambayev from the residence outside Bishkek, capital of the Muslim-majority nation of six million people. The first operation failed and descended into violence. Security officers beaten The health ministry said a special forces officer had died from a gunshot wound and the head of the Chui province police department was in a critical condition after being injured during the clashes on Wednesday. The ministry said that 98 people required treatment as a result of the clashes on both days. Early Thursday President Jeenbekov convened a meeting of the state security council and an emergency session of parliament. Jeenbekov said during the security council meeting that Atambayev had "rudely flouted the Constitution and laws of the Kyrgyz Republic" by resisting detention. Putin intervention Parliament in June stripped Atambayev of his immunity as a former president and the state prosecutor brought corruption charges against him. The standoff has drawn in Russia -- the country's Soviet-era master and traditional political patron -- where hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz work as migrant labourers. Last month Russian President Vladimir Putin met with both Jeenbekov and Atambayev in Moscow in a bid to defuse the confrontation. Erica Marat, associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington D.C., said Atambayev's outreach to Putin shows that "he clearly sees himself as a viable political figure in Kyrgyzstan", emboldening his stance against the incumbent leader. Marat said the pair's confrontation is symptomatic of Kyrgyzstan's failure to reform its security institutions and courts. "Jeenbekov must now decide whether to escalate violent confrontation with Atambayev's supporters or negotiate," Marat said. Ex-friends Jeenbekov and Atambayev were once friends, and the former leader backed the incumbent in 2017 elections that marked an unprecedented peaceful transfer of power between heads of state. But they fell out just months after Jeenbekov's inauguration as Atambayev publicly criticised his successor and security services arrested several key Atambayev allies. Political analyst and video blogger Azim Azimov raised fears that the standoff might devolve into a "civil conflict... if both sides decide to take it to the end." "This is the scariest potential outcome," he said in a video published Thursday morning.

Kyrgyzstan special forces seize ex-president Almazbek Atambayev in raid

A Kyrgyz officer was killed Wednesday when special forces stormed the compound of former president Almazbek Atambayev, as mounting tensions with his successor Sooronbai Jeenbekov threaten to spark a political crisis in the fragile Central Asian state.

The officer died from a gunshot wound after Atambayev's supporters tried to prevent him being detained, the Kyrgyz health ministry said.&nbsp;

"A special forces officer was delivered (to hospital) in an extremely serious condition with a gunshot wound. Despite resuscitation attempts, he died," it said in a statement.

Atambayev, who ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kyrgyzstan-have-prepared-5-year-plan-to-boost-bilateral-trade-pm-modi-227196">Kyrgyzstan</a> from 2011 to 2017 before handing over to Jeenbekov, has increased security at his estate of Koi-Tash outside Bishkek in recent weeks, as tensions between him and Jeenbekov rise.&nbsp;

Clashes broke out there in the evening after Kyrgyzstan's national security committee (GKNB) said its special forces were undertaking a "special operation to detain former president Almazbek Atambayev."

The GKNB claimed that special forces were armed "only with rubber bullets" while Atambayev's supporters had shot back with firearms. &nbsp;

The health ministry said that 36 people, including 15 members of the security services, had been admitted to hospital with injuries.&nbsp;

Atambayev saw his immunity lifted in June as the authorities seek to prosecute him on corruption charges.

He has ignored three police summons for questioning in a case connected to the surprise release from jail of a well-known underworld boss during his presidency.

Atambayev has still not been detained, several key aides have confirmed.&nbsp;

Mirbek Aitikeyev, an eyewitness at Koi-Tash who broadcast footage from the compound live on Facebook, told AFP that some of the former president's loyalists had seized weapons from special forces.&nbsp;

"His supporters stole weapons from the special forces, who retreated under the onslaught of the crowd. Atambayev is still at his home... there are rumours that additional forces will be sent. The people here are making preparations," Aitikeyev said.&nbsp;

Blackout

Local and foreign media struggled to reach staff working at Koi-Tash as authorities appeared to block internet and mobile connections in the village located a short drive from capital Bishkek.

Dmitriy Lozhnikov, a member of the political council in Atambayev's Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan, also told Russia's state-owned news channel, Russia-24, that electricity to the village had been cut.&nbsp;

Following the lifting of his immunity by parliament, which Atambayev says was unconstitutional, the former president vowed to "stand to the end" against the charges, calling Jeenbekov's administration a "mafia clan."

The two men were once friends and Atambayev backed Jeenbekov's candidacy in the 2017 vote. But they fell out just months after Jeenbekov's inauguration as Atambayev publicly criticised his successor.&nbsp;

Jeenbekov's office announced that the president had cut short his holiday at a popular lakeside resort in the mountainous country and would convene a meeting of the security council Thursday.&nbsp;

In the footage shot inside the compound by Aitikeyev, Atambayev could be seen meeting his supporters, when people suddenly started screaming and running for cover as gunshots ring out.

'Don't shoot'

Several people could be seen injured and bleeding as armed masked people in military fatigues and helmets run through the gates.

"Don't shoot at people!" somebody screamed.

Kyrgyz media said the road leading to the Koi-Tash residence has been blocked and an angry crowd has formed next to the police cars.

Atambayev became Kyrgyzstan's first elected president to hand over power peacefully in 2017, following revolutions in 2005 and 2010.&nbsp;

Jeenbekov has accused Atambayev of seeking to control politics from the comfort of retirement.

The conflict between the two men, both of whom have been accused of using law enforcement agencies to get rid of political opponents, could turn into a full-blown political crisis.&nbsp;

Last month, Atambayev travelled to Russia and met with Vladimir Putin, who pledged his support to Kyrgyzstan but advised "everyone to unite around the current president and help him develop the country."

The conflict in Kyrgyzstan is likely to be watched with apprehension both in Russia and China, whose political and economic interests in the country deepened during Atambayev's rule. 
&nbsp;

A Kyrgyz officer was killed Wednesday when special forces stormed the compound of former president Almazbek Atambayev, as mounting tensions with his successor Sooronbai Jeenbekov threaten to spark a political crisis in the fragile Central Asian state.

A Kyrgyz officer was killed Wednesday when special forces stormed the compound of former president Almazbek Atambayev, as mounting tensions with his successor Sooronbai Jeenbekov threaten to spark a political crisis in the fragile Central Asian state. The officer died from a gunshot wound after Atambayev's supporters tried to prevent him being detained, the Kyrgyz health ministry said. "A special forces officer was delivered (to hospital) in an extremely serious condition with a gunshot wound. Despite resuscitation attempts, he died," it said in a statement. Atambayev, who ruled Kyrgyzstan from 2011 to 2017 before handing over to Jeenbekov, has increased security at his estate of Koi-Tash outside Bishkek in recent weeks, as tensions between him and Jeenbekov rise. Clashes broke out there in the evening after Kyrgyzstan's national security committee (GKNB) said its special forces were undertaking a "special operation to detain former president Almazbek Atambayev." The GKNB claimed that special forces were armed "only with rubber bullets" while Atambayev's supporters had shot back with firearms. The health ministry said that 36 people, including 15 members of the security services, had been admitted to hospital with injuries. Atambayev saw his immunity lifted in June as the authorities seek to prosecute him on corruption charges. He has ignored three police summons for questioning in a case connected to the surprise release from jail of a well-known underworld boss during his presidency. Atambayev has still not been detained, several key aides have confirmed. Mirbek Aitikeyev, an eyewitness at Koi-Tash who broadcast footage from the compound live on Facebook, told AFP that some of the former president's loyalists had seized weapons from special forces. "His supporters stole weapons from the special forces, who retreated under the onslaught of the crowd. Atambayev is still at his home... there are rumours that additional forces will be sent. The people here are making preparations," Aitikeyev said. Blackout Local and foreign media struggled to reach staff working at Koi-Tash as authorities appeared to block internet and mobile connections in the village located a short drive from capital Bishkek. Dmitriy Lozhnikov, a member of the political council in Atambayev's Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan, also told Russia's state-owned news channel, Russia-24, that electricity to the village had been cut. Following the lifting of his immunity by parliament, which Atambayev says was unconstitutional, the former president vowed to "stand to the end" against the charges, calling Jeenbekov's administration a "mafia clan." The two men were once friends and Atambayev backed Jeenbekov's candidacy in the 2017 vote. But they fell out just months after Jeenbekov's inauguration as Atambayev publicly criticised his successor. Jeenbekov's office announced that the president had cut short his holiday at a popular lakeside resort in the mountainous country and would convene a meeting of the security council Thursday. In the footage shot inside the compound by Aitikeyev, Atambayev could be seen meeting his supporters, when people suddenly started screaming and running for cover as gunshots ring out. 'Don't shoot' Several people could be seen injured and bleeding as armed masked people in military fatigues and helmets run through the gates. "Don't shoot at people!" somebody screamed. Kyrgyz media said the road leading to the Koi-Tash residence has been blocked and an angry crowd has formed next to the police cars. Atambayev became Kyrgyzstan's first elected president to hand over power peacefully in 2017, following revolutions in 2005 and 2010. Jeenbekov has accused Atambayev of seeking to control politics from the comfort of retirement. The conflict between the two men, both of whom have been accused of using law enforcement agencies to get rid of political opponents, could turn into a full-blown political crisis. Last month, Atambayev travelled to Russia and met with Vladimir Putin, who pledged his support to Kyrgyzstan but advised "everyone to unite around the current president and help him develop the country." The conflict in Kyrgyzstan is likely to be watched with apprehension both in Russia and China, whose political and economic interests in the country deepened during Atambayev's rule.

Kyrgyz officer dies after security forces storm ex-president's home

India, Kyrgyzstan Sign 15 Agreement At SCO Summit. Ceremonial Welcome At Kyrgyzstan's Presidential Palace, 15 Agreements, Key Mous, Modi's Day At Bishkek Goes Perfectly To Plan.

Gravitas: India, Kyrgyzstan Hold Delegation Level Talks

India refused to endorse China's flagship connectivity program — the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Bishkek declaration of the SCO's head of state council mentioning names of only six countries backing it. Watch this video to know more.

Backlash against Belt and Road Initiative

All members of SCO have come to a consensus on a statement against terrorism. Watch this video to know more.

SCO members issue joint statement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the global security situation, terrorism, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance at the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) annual summit in Kyrgyzstan. Watch this video to know more.

Modi in Bishkek: An action packed day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan exchanged “usual” pleasantries and shook hands in the Leaders' Lounge in the presence of several other world leaders. Watch this video to know more.

Modi-Imran exchange greetings at SCO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for home after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in which he discussed the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance.&nbsp;

On the sidelines of the summit on Thursday, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.&nbsp;

He also met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting on Friday. Jeenbekov was the Chair of the SCO Summit 2019.

"Thank You, Bishkek. After a successful visit to Kyrgyzstan, PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.&nbsp;

Modi also exchanged usual pleasantries with his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Friday in the Leaders' Lounge at the venue of the summit.&nbsp;

The prime minister arrived in the Kyrgyz capital on Thursday for the SCO summit, the first multilateral engagement post his re-election.&nbsp;

The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for home after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in which he discussed the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for home after the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in which he discussed the global security situation, multilateral economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and topical issues of international and regional importance. On the sidelines of the summit on Thursday, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. He also met Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbay Jeenbekov ahead of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting on Friday. Jeenbekov was the Chair of the SCO Summit 2019. "Thank You, Bishkek. After a successful visit to Kyrgyzstan, PM @narendramodi emplanes for New Delhi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Modi also exchanged usual pleasantries with his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Friday in the Leaders' Lounge at the venue of the summit. The prime minister arrived in the Kyrgyz capital on Thursday for the SCO summit, the first multilateral engagement post his re-election. The SCO is a China-led eight-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan being admitted to the grouping in 2017

PM Modi wraps up Kyrgyzstan visit, returns to India as SCO summit concludes

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit began in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today with PM Modi being the first leader to arrive.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan and China's President Xi also arrived at the summit.

PM Modi had met Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin on Thursday in a series of bilateral meetings which included a meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-back-legitimate-government-chosen-through-democratic-path-india-to-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-226971">Afghan president Ashraf Ghani </a>late evening.

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Breaking: SCO summit begins. PM Modi first leader to arrive at the summit venue. Welcomed by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov. <a href="https://t.co/Ney2OJUcYs">pic.twitter.com/Ney2OJUcYs</a>
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During the meeting with PM Modi, the Chinese president&nbsp;congratulated the Indian prime minister&nbsp;on his re-election as India's prime minister.

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Xi noted that China and India are the world's only two emerging economies that boast a population of more than 1 billion respectively, and are both at a crucial stage of rapid development.

Cooperation between the two countries, said the Chinese leader, can not only boost their respective development, but also will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the wider world.

He also said that during his meeting with&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;last year in Wuhan, China's central Hubei Province, they have led the China-India relationship onto a new stage, adding that China is willing to join India to make continuous efforts in promoting a closer development partnership between the two sides.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit began in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today with PM Modi being the first leader to arrive. Pakistan PM Imran Khan and China's President Xi also arrived at the summit.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit began in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan today with PM Modi being the first leader to arrive. Pakistan PM Imran Khan and China's President Xi also arrived at the summit. PM Modi had met Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin on Thursday in a series of bilateral meetings which included a meeting with Afghan president Ashraf Ghani late evening. Breaking: SCO summit begins. PM Modi first leader to arrive at the summit venue. Welcomed by President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov. pic.twitter.com/Ney2OJUcYs — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 14, 2019 × During the meeting with PM Modi, the Chinese president congratulated the Indian prime minister on his re-election as India's prime minister. Xi noted that China and India are the world's only two emerging economies that boast a population of more than 1 billion respectively, and are both at a crucial stage of rapid development. Cooperation between the two countries, said the Chinese leader, can not only boost their respective development, but also will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the wider world. He also said that during his meeting with Modi last year in Wuhan, China's central Hubei Province, they have led the China-India relationship onto a new stage, adding that China is willing to join India to make continuous efforts in promoting a closer development partnership between the two sides.

PM Modi first leader to arrive as SCO summit begins in Kyrgyzstan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-modi-imran-pull-aside-at-sco-as-new-delhi-strongly-raises-terror-227148">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields.

Addressing the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum, he said that India and Kyrgyzstan have given the final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty, which would help in creating a proper atmosphere for the bilateral trade.

Modi and Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov jointly inaugurated the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum.

Modi said that "at a time when the world economy is rapidly changing, we need to look at the opportunities of the economic partnership between the two countries".

"There are three catalysts for the growth of bilateral trade and investment opportunities. They are proper atmosphere, connectivity and business-to-business exchanges," he said.Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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Ahead of the Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved the signing and ratification of a bilateral investment treaty between India and Kyrgyzstan.

The bilateral treaty is likely to increase the flow of investment between India and Kyrgyzstan and provide protection to investors from the two nations making investments in both the countries.

He said Kyrgyzstan provides good opportunities for Indian businessmen in the field of textiles, railways, hydropower, mining and mineral explorations. 
He also invited Kyrgyz businessmen to come to India to explore opportunities of bilateral trade.&nbsp;

Modi said connectivity plays an important role for the ease of trade between two countries and Chabahar port (in Iran) has emerged as new route between India and Afghanistan.

"There is a need for us to focus on increasing connectivity between India and Central Asia. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is part of Eurasian Union and we are working to increase the trade with the Eurasian Union," he said.

Modi is in Kyrgyz capital to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-meeting-with-imran-khan-xi-offers-support-for-improvement-of-indo-pak-ties-227159">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit</a>. The SCO is a China-led 8-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan were admitted to the grouping in 2017. Other members of the grouping are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and Kyrgyzstan have prepared a five-year road map to increase the bilateral trade and urged the business communities from both countries to explore the untapped potential in various fields. Addressing the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum, he said that India and Kyrgyzstan have given the final shape to the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and the bilateral investment treaty, which would help in creating a proper atmosphere for the bilateral trade. Modi and Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov jointly inaugurated the India-Kyrgyz Business Forum. Modi said that "at a time when the world economy is rapidly changing, we need to look at the opportunities of the economic partnership between the two countries". "There are three catalysts for the growth of bilateral trade and investment opportunities. They are proper atmosphere, connectivity and business-to-business exchanges," he said. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × Ahead of the Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, has approved the signing and ratification of a bilateral investment treaty between India and Kyrgyzstan. The bilateral treaty is likely to increase the flow of investment between India and Kyrgyzstan and provide protection to investors from the two nations making investments in both the countries. He said Kyrgyzstan provides good opportunities for Indian businessmen in the field of textiles, railways, hydropower, mining and mineral explorations. He also invited Kyrgyz businessmen to come to India to explore opportunities of bilateral trade. Modi said connectivity plays an important role for the ease of trade between two countries and Chabahar port (in Iran) has emerged as new route between India and Afghanistan. "There is a need for us to focus on increasing connectivity between India and Central Asia. The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is part of Eurasian Union and we are working to increase the trade with the Eurasian Union," he said. Modi is in Kyrgyz capital to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The SCO is a China-led 8-member economic and security bloc with India and Pakistan were admitted to the grouping in 2017. Other members of the grouping are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India, Kyrgyzstan have prepared 5-year plan to boost bilateral trade: PM Modi

PM Modi meets Kyrgyz President. PM Modi said that India-Kyrgyz should take ties to strategic partnership level. Watch this video to know more.

SCO Summit 2019: India-Kyrgyzstan Bilateral Meet

India-Kyrgyzstan Business Forum has been inaugrated. Kyrgyzstan's President also attended PM Modi's swearing-in Ceremony. PM Modi said that Our goal is to make India a 5 trillion economy.This is PM Modi's 5 year plan which will enhance trade. Watch this video to know more.

SCO Summit 2019: PM Modi addresses Joint Business Forum at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves for Kyrgyzstan to attend SCO Summit but boycotted Pakistan airspace is a big news. The Summit organised in Bishkek will be witnessing world leaders and is expected to focus more on economic cooperation and regional peace. Post SCO summit, PM Modi will hold 3 bilateral meeting.

PM Modi to hold 3 bilateral meets today

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-provided-stability-and-momentum-to-india-china-ties-pm-modi-to-xi-226895">PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek</a>, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.&nbsp;

The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan.&nbsp;"We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said.&nbsp;

Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed".&nbsp;

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PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. <a href="https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd">https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1139149245016158208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action".&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting

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PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated.&nbsp;

Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same,"&nbsp;Gokhale added.&nbsp;

He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. &nbsp;

On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Thursday briefed media on the bilateral meeting that took place between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The foreign secretary informed that India reiterated its position on Pakistan. "We have a consistent position on Pakistan and look for a peaceful resolution," Gokhale said. Gokhale said that the prime minister informed president Jinping that all efforts with Pakistan "have been derailed". PM Modi on Pak to Chinese Prez: we have made efforts and these have been derailed. Pak needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism and did not see anything of this sort happening. https://t.co/CCvkNYlALd — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 13, 2019 × Gokhale noted that the prime minister, during his talks with the Chinese President, said, "Pakistan needs to create an atmosphere free of terrorism, India expects Pakistan to take concrete action". Watch: PM Modi meets Xi Jinping for first bilateral meeting PM noted what had improved between the two sides is strategic communication and in that context, we have been able to resolve long pending issues like the opening of Bank of China branch in India and the issue related to the listing of Masood Azhar, Gokhale stated. Gokhale informed that Jinping has confirmed a visit to India later this year and that PM Modi has proposed to hold 70 significant events - 35 each in China and India - next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China bilateral ties. "External Affairs Ministers of both the countries have been tasked to discuss and develop the course of the same," Gokhale added. He informed that both the leaders held a brief discussion on the boundary dispute and maintained that special representatives of India and China will meet on the issue and carry out a solution that would be "fair and mutually acceptable". Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are slated to meet again at the G20 Summit, the BRICS Summit and during an informal summit that is slated to take place later in the year. On Friday, PM Modi will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but none with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

In bilateral meeting, PM Modi and Xi Jinping discuss Pakistan, terror and boundary dispute

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

The Indian prime minister will be landing in the central<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leaves-for-sco-summit-in-kyrgyzstan-avoids-pakistan-airspace-226690"> Asian country post-2:30pm (IST) </a>and will have bilateral talks with leaders of China, Russia and Afghanistan today and an informal dinner with President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of Kyrgyzstan.

On the first day, PM Modi will be meeting&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese President Xi this year and first meet since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

With Iran, focus will be on import of Iranian oil as the US has done away with&nbsp;waivers after sanctions came into effect.

This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region."

PM Modi will not be using the Pakistani airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit and will be using airspace of Oman, Iran and central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistani airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

PM Modi will be meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. The Indian prime minister will be landing in the central Asian country post-2:30pm (IST) and will have bilateral talks with leaders of China, Russia and Afghanistan today and an informal dinner with President Sooronbay Jeenbekov of Kyrgyzstan. On the first day, PM Modi will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with Chinese President Xi this year and first meet since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year the Chinese President will be visiting India for the second informal summit. With Iran, focus will be on import of Iranian oil as the US has done away with waivers after sanctions came into effect. This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region." PM Modi will not be using the Pakistani airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit and will be using airspace of Oman, Iran and central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistani airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

SCO summit: PM Modi set to meet President Xi, Putin today

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan land in the Kyrgyz Republic’s capital, it’s cloudy in Bishkek and five Indian medical students are posing for photos in front of an imposing Soviet-era building that houses the state history museum at Ala-Too Square in the heart of the city.

PM Modi leaves for Kyrgyzstan to attend SCO Summit

PM Modi left for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday morning.

The Indian prime minister's aircraft will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">avoiding the Pakistan airspace</a>. The plane will fly over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries to reach the Kyrgyz capital. &nbsp;

The was announcement made on Wednesday even<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-requests-pakistan-to-let-pm-modis-flight-pass-through-its-airspace-225685"> as Pakistan said it will "specially"</a> open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit.

If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek and now it will take about seven hours for the journey, officials said.

The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks.

India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan will also be attending the summit, however, PM Modi and Pak PM Imran Khan are not slated to meet at Bishkek.

Last month, Pakistan had given special permission to the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly through Pakistani airspace while travelling to Bishkek to attend a meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 26 after the Indian Air Force struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp in Balakot.&nbsp;

Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11.

On its part, the IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

PM Modi left for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday morning. The Indian prime minister's aircraft will be avoiding the Pakistan airspace.

PM Modi left for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday morning. The Indian prime minister's aircraft will be avoiding the Pakistan airspace. The plane will fly over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries to reach the Kyrgyz capital. The was announcement made on Wednesday even as Pakistan said it will "specially" open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit. If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek and now it will take about seven hours for the journey, officials said. The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks. India has not been engaging with Pakistan since an attack on the Air Force base at Pathankot in January of 2016 by a Pakistan-based terror group, maintaining that talks and terror cannot go together. Pakistan PM Imran Khan will also be attending the summit, however, PM Modi and Pak PM Imran Khan are not slated to meet at Bishkek. Last month, Pakistan had given special permission to the then external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to fly through Pakistani airspace while travelling to Bishkek to attend a meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers. Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 26 after the Indian Air Force struck a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist training camp in Balakot. Since then, it has only opened two routes, both of them pass through southern Pakistan, of the total 11. On its part, the IAF announced on May 31 that all temporary restrictions imposed on Indian airspace post the Balakot airstrike have been removed.

PM Modi leaves for SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan; avoids Pakistan airspace

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-pm-modi-set-to-meet-president-xi-putin-today-226707">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</a> summit to be held here on June 13 and 14.

The prime minister&nbsp;had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am.

His aircraft reached Kyrgyzstan by flying over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries avoiding Pakistan's airspace.

If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek. His flight now took six hours to reach the destination.

The decision to avoid Pak's airspace was made on Wednesday even as Pakistan said it will "specially" open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit.

The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks.

During his visit to the country, PM Modi will hold meeting&nbsp;with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections.

The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held here on June 13 and 14. The prime minister had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am.

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held here on June 13 and 14. The prime minister had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am. His aircraft reached Kyrgyzstan by flying over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries avoiding Pakistan's airspace. If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek. His flight now took six hours to reach the destination. The decision to avoid Pak's airspace was made on Wednesday even as Pakistan said it will "specially" open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit. The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks. During his visit to the country, PM Modi will hold meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections. The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

PM Modi reaches Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan for 2-day SCO summit

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-sco-summit-member-countries-say-india-has-important-role-to-play-226250">19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit</a> and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections.

In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region".

Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year."

PM Modi will not be using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-not-to-fly-over-pak-airspace-for-sco-summit-226462">Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit</a>, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country.

Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek.&nbsp;

The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan

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The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit.&nbsp;

Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart.&nbsp;

India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit.

"Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit.

The organization represents &nbsp;42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries.&nbsp;

"We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek.

In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here".

This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings.

PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan on a two-day visit starting Thursday during which he will be participating in the 19th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and hold a number of bilateral meetings. This is the first multilateral summit that PM Modi will be attending after the recently concluded general elections. In a pre-departure statement ahead of the SCO summit, PM said, "We attach special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region". Explaining further, "India has actively participated in various SCO dialogue mechanisms since its full membership of SCO two years ago. We have extended full cooperation to the Chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic over the past year." PM Modi will not be using Pakistan's airspace for his Kyrgyzstan visit, instead, he will flying over Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries to reach the country. Air India has confirmed that the route does not cross Pakistan's airspace in any way. India had explored two options for the route to be taken by PM's aircraft to Bishkek. The prime minister will be reaching Kyrgyzstan by midday on Thursday and is set to have a packed day. His first engagement will be inaugurating India-Kyrgyz textile exhibition along with Kyrgystan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov on the theme of "Colors and Weaves of India and Central Asia”. Watch: PM Modi's tough stand against terror, no meet with Imran Khan × The first day will also see him meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This will be his first meeting with the Chinese President this year and first since the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. Later this year, Jinping will be visiting India for the second informal summit. Last year PM Modi and Chinese President met four times starting with the Wuhan informal summit followed by a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in China, the BRICS summit in South Africa and the G20 summit in Argentina. The second day of PM's Kyrgyzstan trip will have two components - his participation at the SCO summit and his engagement with the Kyrgyz counterpart. India is expected to raise a number of issues, from terror to trade to connectivity and ties with central Asia at the summit. New Delhi became an SCO member in 2017 and this is the second time PM Modi is participating in the summit. "Prime Minister, when he participates, when he makes his intervention, he will reflect the Indian concerns and priorities with respect to the SCO process," Secretary West, Gitesh Sarma said in a media briefing ahead of the summit. The organization represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with Central Asian countries. "We live in a globalised world. The distances are much shorter and multilateralism of this order is the new order of the world relationship," Alok A Dimri, Indian envoy to Kyrgyzstan, told WION in Bishkek. In the afternoon of June 14, the prime minister will participate in India Kyrgyz Business Forum followed by his bilateral meet with Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. Remember, India had invited the Kyrgyz president for the oathtaking ceremony of PM Modi on May 30 at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Reacting on the invite, Kyrgyz Envoy Asein Isaev had told WION, "It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that, he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here". This is the second visit of PM Modi to the central Asian country. In his first term, he had visited all the central Asian countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that there will be no structured formal talks between PM Modi and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of the SCO summit but a pull aside is something that is keeping everyone on tenterhooks with huge media presence from both India and Pakistan in Bishkek.

PM Modi's two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan begins from Thursday; will meet Xi, Putin 

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Kyrgyzstan is the chair of SCO for this year and will host the summit on June 13&nbsp;&amp; 14&nbsp;in which PM Modi will participate.&nbsp;

WION: What will be the agenda of the SCO summit?

Asein Isaev: We will continue the Shanghai spirit. We have to strengthen our friendly relations in this region. After entering of India, SCO has became 3 and 1/2 billion strong. It is half of mankind. In this part of the world, everything will be good and peacefull and lead to development of the region.

WION: How are the preparations going?

Asein Isaev: This summit is very interesting. It's just not a&nbsp;political issue, it involves contact between people and countries. Before the summit&nbsp;we had a cultural and sports, and a joint military exercise. Our security forces had meetings. On June, 14th, there will be meetings of head of states.

WION: How do you see India's role?

Asein Isaev: The main objective of the organisation is the peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres - democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development and also we hope&nbsp;India will share experience with other members of the SCO.

WION: India invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi. How do you view it?

Asein Isaev: It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here. Everytime close neighbours were invited, but this time invitation was also for our country, &nbsp;for our head of state.&nbsp;

It shows the growing importance of SCO countries, we are the chair of SCO. We have big intentions to be close friends and close partners of India. We very good relations with India in educational, medical, cultural and political sphere. We hope our relations will reach in the coming days to the level of strategic partnership. It's a big achievement for us. This coming visit of PM Modi has crucial importance for us.&nbsp;

WION: India has been focusing on programmes to connect central Asia? Your take.

Asein Isaev: &nbsp;One of the main problems in exporting goods from Kyrgyzstan to India and reverse is the issue of transportation. The completion of the transport corridor INSTC (providing the route for the delivery of goods from the seaport of Mumbai (India) to the port of Chabahar (Iran) will expand the opportunities and improve the economic situation of the country.&nbsp;

It would be a good help to India, too. We can export our agrarian products such as Kyrgyz ghee (yellow oil) that Indian people use in their food, it has excellent quality and taste. When my Indian friends have tasted it, they were definitely been very excited. We can also suggest white honey, dry fruits to our Indian friends.

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Indian experience can help Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic Asein Isaev has told WION. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibbal, envoy Isaev said they were taken by surprise with Indian invitation to his President for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30th at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Kyrgyzstan is the chair of SCO for this year and will host the summit on June 13 & 14 in which PM Modi will participate. WION: What will be the agenda of the SCO summit? Asein Isaev: We will continue the Shanghai spirit. We have to strengthen our friendly relations in this region. After entering of India, SCO has became 3 and 1/2 billion strong. It is half of mankind. In this part of the world, everything will be good and peacefull and lead to development of the region. WION: How are the preparations going? Asein Isaev: This summit is very interesting. It's just not a political issue, it involves contact between people and countries. Before the summit we had a cultural and sports, and a joint military exercise. Our security forces had meetings. On June, 14th, there will be meetings of head of states. WION: How do you see India's role? Asein Isaev: The main objective of the organisation is the peaceful development of the region. We need Indian experience in all spheres - democratic development, security possibilities, cultural development and also we hope India will share experience with other members of the SCO. WION: India invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov for the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi. How do you view it? Asein Isaev: It was a big surprise. We were very excited by this invitation. Our president immediately answered, and immediately arrived. He was in Kazakhstan and after that he had to go to Saudi Arabia. He only had half a day but he decided to directly come here. Everytime close neighbours were invited, but this time invitation was also for our country, for our head of state. It shows the growing importance of SCO countries, we are the chair of SCO. We have big intentions to be close friends and close partners of India. We very good relations with India in educational, medical, cultural and political sphere. We hope our relations will reach in the coming days to the level of strategic partnership. It's a big achievement for us. This coming visit of PM Modi has crucial importance for us. WION: India has been focusing on programmes to connect central Asia? Your take. Asein Isaev: One of the main problems in exporting goods from Kyrgyzstan to India and reverse is the issue of transportation. The completion of the transport corridor INSTC (providing the route for the delivery of goods from the seaport of Mumbai (India) to the port of Chabahar (Iran) will expand the opportunities and improve the economic situation of the country. It would be a good help to India, too. We can export our agrarian products such as Kyrgyz ghee (yellow oil) that Indian people use in their food, it has excellent quality and taste. When my Indian friends have tasted it, they were definitely been very excited. We can also suggest white honey, dry fruits to our Indian friends.

Indian experience can help us, says SCO chair Kyrgyzstan

Modi to kick-off 2nd tenure with visit to Maldives and in end of June he will attend SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan.

Modi to visit Maldives and Sri Lanka next month

Terror, connectivity and Afghanistan were the main focus areas for India during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;

Recalling the Sri Lanka terror attack on April 21, Swaraj said, "Our wounds of Pulwama attack were still raw and the news from the neighbourhood has made us more determined to fight firmly resolutely against this menace."

SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or RATS has emerged as an important forum for counter-terror cooperation and India called for making it more effective.

On connectivity, India talked about five connectivity initiatives the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai with Moscow, Chabahar Port that will connect India to Afghanistan &amp; beyond, the Ashgabat Agreement for central Asia connectivity, the India Afghanistan air corridor &amp; towards the east the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

But New Delhi said the connectivity projects needs to be, "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a comment that questions Chinese Belt &amp; road initiative that is causing debt crisis in many countries participating in it.

On Afghanistan, Sushma Swaraj said, "India stands committed to any process" which can help "Afghanistan emerge as a united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, with guaranteed gender and human rights."

Comments on Afghanistan comes in the backdrop of Delhi's increased engagement with stakeholders such as the US, China, Iran and Russia on the Afghan peace process.

This is the last high-level engagement of Sushma Swaraj in a foreign country as the external affairs minister under the present government.&nbsp;

This is the second SCO FMs meet in which New Delhi is participating as a full member of SCO, the first meet held in April of 2018 in Beijing.&nbsp;

During the SCO FMs meet on Wednesday, Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi came face to face for the first time since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was taken by Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

On expected lines, no meeting happened between the 2 India Pakistan ministers.

The last time both ministers were under the same roof was during informal SAARC meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly in New York in 2018.

India got full membership of the grouping along with Pakistan in 2017 during the Astana summit of SCO with the process beginning during 2015SCO summit in Russia.

The SCO FMs meet comes weeks before the SCO leaders summit in Kyrgyzstan in which the new Indian Prime Minister will be participating. Focus in that summit will be on his likely meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping or if New Indian PM would like to meet his Pakistani counterpart —Pakistani PM Imran Khan.

Terror, connectivity and Afghanistan were the main focus areas for India during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Terror, connectivity and Afghanistan were the main focus areas for India during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Recalling the Sri Lanka terror attack on April 21, Swaraj said, "Our wounds of Pulwama attack were still raw and the news from the neighbourhood has made us more determined to fight firmly resolutely against this menace." SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or RATS has emerged as an important forum for counter-terror cooperation and India called for making it more effective. On connectivity, India talked about five connectivity initiatives the International North-South Transport Corridor that will connect Mumbai with Moscow, Chabahar Port that will connect India to Afghanistan & beyond, the Ashgabat Agreement for central Asia connectivity, the India Afghanistan air corridor & towards the east the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. But New Delhi said the connectivity projects needs to be, "inclusive, sustainable, transparent and respect the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity", a comment that questions Chinese Belt & road initiative that is causing debt crisis in many countries participating in it. On Afghanistan, Sushma Swaraj said, "India stands committed to any process" which can help "Afghanistan emerge as a united, peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation, with guaranteed gender and human rights." Comments on Afghanistan comes in the backdrop of Delhi's increased engagement with stakeholders such as the US, China, Iran and Russia on the Afghan peace process. This is the last high-level engagement of Sushma Swaraj in a foreign country as the external affairs minister under the present government. This is the second SCO FMs meet in which New Delhi is participating as a full member of SCO, the first meet held in April of 2018 in Beijing. During the SCO FMs meet on Wednesday, Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi came face to face for the first time since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was taken by Pakistan based UN-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. On expected lines, no meeting happened between the 2 India Pakistan ministers. The last time both ministers were under the same roof was during informal SAARC meet on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly in New York in 2018. India got full membership of the grouping along with Pakistan in 2017 during the Astana summit of SCO with the process beginning during 2015SCO summit in Russia. The SCO FMs meet comes weeks before the SCO leaders summit in Kyrgyzstan in which the new Indian Prime Minister will be participating. Focus in that summit will be on his likely meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping or if New Indian PM would like to meet his Pakistani counterpart —Pakistani PM Imran Khan.

India speaks out against terror at SCO FMs' meet in Kyrgyzstan

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman left for Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Sunday on a three-day visit to attend a key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Sitharaman will attend the SCO Defence Ministers' conclave on Monday during which she is likely to press for concerted efforts by the powerful bloc to deal with terrorism and extremism, officials said.

She is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with a number of counterparts from the SCO member countries on the sidelines of the conclave, they said.

The SCO defence ministers will explore ways to further boost defence and security cooperation among the member countries in the wake of evolving security challenges in the region.

India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry into it increased the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue.

India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of SCO in 2017.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year.

Sitharaman will return to India on Tuesday, the officials said.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman left for Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Sunday on a three-day visit to attend a key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman left for Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Sunday on a three-day visit to attend a key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Sitharaman will attend the SCO Defence Ministers' conclave on Monday during which she is likely to press for concerted efforts by the powerful bloc to deal with terrorism and extremism, officials said. She is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with a number of counterparts from the SCO member countries on the sidelines of the conclave, they said. The SCO defence ministers will explore ways to further boost defence and security cooperation among the member countries in the wake of evolving security challenges in the region. India became a full member of the China-dominated grouping in 2017 and New Delhi's entry into it increased the bloc's heft in regional geopolitics, besides giving it a pan-Asian hue. India is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region. Along with India, Pakistan was also granted membership of SCO in 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. Sitharaman will return to India on Tuesday, the officials said.

Sitharaman leaves for Kyrgyzstan to attend SCO defence ministers' meet

A heavy soup made of pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables symbolises Central Asia’s close cultural and/or ethnic ties with China’s repressed Turkic and Hui Muslims. It also explains growing Central Asian unease with China’s re-education campaign in its north-western province of Xinjiang and its signature infrastructure and energy driven-Belt and Road initiative.

Named Ashlan Fu and introduced to Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th century by Dungans, exiled Chinese Hui Muslims who fled over the Tien Shan Mountains after a failed rebellion in 1877, the soup has become a staple of Kyrgyz cuisine.

Made of Laghman noodles, starch preserves, onion, garlic, chilli, dark vinegar, and egg, Ashlan Fu is “the best cure for a hangover,” says Aman Janserkeev, a Kyrgyz student.

It’s also indicative of the potential fallout of China’s crackdown on Turkic and increasingly Hui Muslims that amounts to the most frontal assault on Islam in post-World War Two history and of commercial terms underlying Belt and Road-related Chinese investments in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia.

Some 150 members of Kyrgyzstan’s far-right Kyrk Choro (Forty Nights) group last month protested outside the Chinese embassy in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek against the inclusion of ethnic Kyrgyz in the up to one million Muslims detained in re-education camps in Xinjiang as part of the Chinese crackdown.

In a sign of the times, Kyrk Choro, a nationalist group that has gained popularity and is believed to have the support of the Kyrgyz ministries of interior and labour, migration and youth, and the National Security Committee (GKNB), focused in its protest exclusively on ethnic Kyrgyz in Chinese detention.

Acting as vigilantes, Kyrk Choro four years ago raided clubs in Bishkek in a campaign against prostitution and accused Chinese nationals of promoting vice. In a video of an attack on a karaoke club, a Kyrk Choro leader showed a receipt that featured a girl as one of the consumed items.

Yet, while standing up for the rights of ethnic Kyrgyz, Kyrk Choro has also called for Uighurs, the Turkic Muslims that populate Xinjiang, to be booted out of Bishkek’s most popular clothing bazaar and replaced by ethnic Kyrgyz.

During December’s protest, Kyrk Choro also demanded the expulsion of illegal Chinese migrants. It further insisted that the government check the documents of migrants, including those who had obtained Kyrgyz citizenship over the last decade, including 268 Chinese nationals who are in majority of Kyrgyz descent.

Kyrk Choro’s contradictory demands and claims reflect not only a global trend towards ethnic and religious nationalism with undertones of xenophobia but also concern that Belt and Road-related projects serve Chinese rather than Kyrgyz and Central Asian interests.

The Kyrgyz government recently reported that 35,215 Chinese citizens had arrived in the country in 2018, many of them as construction workers on Chinese-funded projects.

Political scientist Colleen Wood noted that social media activists were linking criticism of Chinese commercial practices with China’s crackdown in Xinjiang.

“One widely-shared image, which declares “Don’t let anyone take your land,” depicts a strong fist — adorned with a Kyrgyz flag — stopping a spindly hand — marked by a Chinese flag — from snatching factories and a field,” Wood wrote in The Diplomat.

Wood said some activists compared Chinese practice to the demarcation in 2002 of the Chinese-Kyrgyz border during which the Central Asian nation handed over 1,250 square kilometres of land to China.

Another Facebook page posted articles about Chinese mining companies operating in Kyrgyzstan, a target of Kyrgyz protesters, alongside articles depicting the intrusiveness of the crackdown in Xinjiang, according to Wood.

Ashlan Fu, the popular Dungan soup, could prove to be a litmus test of the depth of mounting anti-Chinese sentiment. &nbsp;

An Instagram account with a Stop China feed publishes xenophobic content about Chinese culinary habits as well as regular updates on the crackdown that is expanding into the autonomous region of Ningxia Hui.

Ningxia Hui recently signed a cooperation agreement on anti-terrorism with Xinjiang in a bid to learn from the crackdown on the Turkic Muslims or in the words of the Global Times, a Communist Party organ, “to learn from Xinjiang's experiences in promoting social stability.”

In advance of another protest at the Chinese embassy in Bishkek scheduled for January 17, Kyrgyz first deputy prime minister Kubatbek Boronov called this week on the public not to believe anti-Chinese postings on social media.

In an acknowledgement of Kyrk Choro’s appeal, Boronov asserted that the group had denied participating in the December protest.

The government, much like Turkey and the vast majority of Muslim countries, has so far evaded taking China to task on its crackdown for fear of jeopardising its relations with the People’s Republic.

Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov insisted last month that “the ethnic Kyrgyz of China are citizens of China, who obey the laws of their country. How can we intervene in their domestic matters? We can’t.”

If Kazakhstan, where the issue of ethnic Kazakhs detained in China has flared up, is anything to go by, the Kyrgyz government is walking a tightrope.

Asyla Alymkulova, &nbsp;a Kyrgyz national recently established the Committee to Protect the Kyrgyz People in China after her husband, Shairbek Doolotkhan, a Chinese-born Muslim, vanished in October on a business trip to Xinjiang.

Doolotkhan’s company subsequently advised Alymkulova that her husband had been "sent away to study" in a camp.

A Kyrgyz diplomat was among representatives of 12 non-Western countries whom China in the last week invited to Xinjiang to counter criticism of the crackdown and showcase economic and social progress. A group of foreign journalists was invited separately.

Short of a reunion with her husband, there is little that is likely to convince Alymkulova or the relatives of thousands of other Central Asians, including at least 2,500 Kazakhs, that Chinese policy towards Muslims is benign and benefitting the community and the region’s progress.

That, in turn, will not make things easier for the Kyrgyz and other Muslim governments at a time that ethnic and cultural identities in a nationalistic and at times xenophobic environment are becoming prevalent. Kyrgyz attitudes towards Ashlan Fu may be the barometer.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

A heavy soup made of pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables symbolises Central Asia’s close cultural and/or ethnic ties with China’s repressed Turkic and Hui Muslims.

A heavy soup made of pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables symbolises Central Asia’s close cultural and/or ethnic ties with China’s repressed Turkic and Hui Muslims. It also explains growing Central Asian unease with China’s re-education campaign in its north-western province of Xinjiang and its signature infrastructure and energy driven-Belt and Road initiative. Named Ashlan Fu and introduced to Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th century by Dungans, exiled Chinese Hui Muslims who fled over the Tien Shan Mountains after a failed rebellion in 1877, the soup has become a staple of Kyrgyz cuisine. Made of Laghman noodles, starch preserves, onion, garlic, chilli, dark vinegar, and egg, Ashlan Fu is “the best cure for a hangover,” says Aman Janserkeev, a Kyrgyz student. It’s also indicative of the potential fallout of China’s crackdown on Turkic and increasingly Hui Muslims that amounts to the most frontal assault on Islam in post-World War Two history and of commercial terms underlying Belt and Road-related Chinese investments in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. Some 150 members of Kyrgyzstan’s far-right Kyrk Choro (Forty Nights) group last month protested outside the Chinese embassy in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek against the inclusion of ethnic Kyrgyz in the up to one million Muslims detained in re-education camps in Xinjiang as part of the Chinese crackdown. In a sign of the times, Kyrk Choro, a nationalist group that has gained popularity and is believed to have the support of the Kyrgyz ministries of interior and labour, migration and youth, and the National Security Committee (GKNB), focused in its protest exclusively on ethnic Kyrgyz in Chinese detention. Acting as vigilantes, Kyrk Choro four years ago raided clubs in Bishkek in a campaign against prostitution and accused Chinese nationals of promoting vice. In a video of an attack on a karaoke club, a Kyrk Choro leader showed a receipt that featured a girl as one of the consumed items. Yet, while standing up for the rights of ethnic Kyrgyz, Kyrk Choro has also called for Uighurs, the Turkic Muslims that populate Xinjiang, to be booted out of Bishkek’s most popular clothing bazaar and replaced by ethnic Kyrgyz. During December’s protest, Kyrk Choro also demanded the expulsion of illegal Chinese migrants. It further insisted that the government check the documents of migrants, including those who had obtained Kyrgyz citizenship over the last decade, including 268 Chinese nationals who are in majority of Kyrgyz descent. Kyrk Choro’s contradictory demands and claims reflect not only a global trend towards ethnic and religious nationalism with undertones of xenophobia but also concern that Belt and Road-related projects serve Chinese rather than Kyrgyz and Central Asian interests. The Kyrgyz government recently reported that 35,215 Chinese citizens had arrived in the country in 2018, many of them as construction workers on Chinese-funded projects. Political scientist Colleen Wood noted that social media activists were linking criticism of Chinese commercial practices with China’s crackdown in Xinjiang. “One widely-shared image, which declares “Don’t let anyone take your land,” depicts a strong fist — adorned with a Kyrgyz flag — stopping a spindly hand — marked by a Chinese flag — from snatching factories and a field,” Wood wrote in The Diplomat. Wood said some activists compared Chinese practice to the demarcation in 2002 of the Chinese-Kyrgyz border during which the Central Asian nation handed over 1,250 square kilometres of land to China. Another Facebook page posted articles about Chinese mining companies operating in Kyrgyzstan, a target of Kyrgyz protesters, alongside articles depicting the intrusiveness of the crackdown in Xinjiang, according to Wood. Ashlan Fu, the popular Dungan soup, could prove to be a litmus test of the depth of mounting anti-Chinese sentiment. An Instagram account with a Stop China feed publishes xenophobic content about Chinese culinary habits as well as regular updates on the crackdown that is expanding into the autonomous region of Ningxia Hui. Ningxia Hui recently signed a cooperation agreement on anti-terrorism with Xinjiang in a bid to learn from the crackdown on the Turkic Muslims or in the words of the Global Times, a Communist Party organ, “to learn from Xinjiang's experiences in promoting social stability.” In advance of another protest at the Chinese embassy in Bishkek scheduled for January 17, Kyrgyz first deputy prime minister Kubatbek Boronov called this week on the public not to believe anti-Chinese postings on social media. In an acknowledgement of Kyrk Choro’s appeal, Boronov asserted that the group had denied participating in the December protest. The government, much like Turkey and the vast majority of Muslim countries, has so far evaded taking China to task on its crackdown for fear of jeopardising its relations with the People’s Republic. Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov insisted last month that “the ethnic Kyrgyz of China are citizens of China, who obey the laws of their country. How can we intervene in their domestic matters? We can’t.” If Kazakhstan, where the issue of ethnic Kazakhs detained in China has flared up, is anything to go by, the Kyrgyz government is walking a tightrope. Asyla Alymkulova, a Kyrgyz national recently established the Committee to Protect the Kyrgyz People in China after her husband, Shairbek Doolotkhan, a Chinese-born Muslim, vanished in October on a business trip to Xinjiang. Doolotkhan’s company subsequently advised Alymkulova that her husband had been "sent away to study" in a camp. A Kyrgyz diplomat was among representatives of 12 non-Western countries whom China in the last week invited to Xinjiang to counter criticism of the crackdown and showcase economic and social progress. A group of foreign journalists was invited separately. Short of a reunion with her husband, there is little that is likely to convince Alymkulova or the relatives of thousands of other Central Asians, including at least 2,500 Kazakhs, that Chinese policy towards Muslims is benign and benefitting the community and the region’s progress. That, in turn, will not make things easier for the Kyrgyz and other Muslim governments at a time that ethnic and cultural identities in a nationalistic and at times xenophobic environment are becoming prevalent. Kyrgyz attitudes towards Ashlan Fu may be the barometer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Turkic-Chinese soup: A barometer of anti-Chinese sentiment

A Turkish Airlines cargo plane crashed into a village near Kyrgyzstan&#39;s main airport on Monday, killing 37 people and destroying homes after attempting to land in thick fog, authorities said.

The majority of the dead were from the village of Dacha-Suu where the cargo plane crashed at around 7:30 am local time (0130 GMT), a spokesman for the country&#39;s emergency services, Muhammed Svarov, said.

The total number of dead &quot;could be bigger&quot; Svarov said, adding that authorities had launched a huge search and rescue operation.

&quot;Major work is underway,&quot; Svarov said. &quot;The damage to infrastructure in the village is significant.&quot; At least four pilots on the flight, which was travelling from Hong Kong to Istanbul via Kyrgyzstan&#39;s capital Bishkek, were among the dead, the emergency services ministry said, with one pilot&#39;s body yet to be found.

Around 43 houses were damaged by the crash, according to the emergency services ministry, which said that the accident sparked fires that spread, but have now been localised.

&quot;The plane crashed into the houses, it killed entire families,&quot; an eyewitness said. The government said in a statement that Deputy Prime Minister Moukhammetkali Aboulgaziev visited the scene, accompanied by the Ministers of Emergency Situations and Transport.

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev cancelled his visit to China to return to Bishkek, according to Kyrgyz media.

(AFP)

Authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation, say the total number of dead 'could be bigger'

A Turkish Airlines cargo plane crashed into a village near Kyrgyzstan's main airport on Monday, killing 37 people and destroying homes after attempting to land in thick fog, authorities said. The majority of the dead were from the village of Dacha-Suu where the cargo plane crashed at around 7:30 am local time (0130 GMT), a spokesman for the country's emergency services, Muhammed Svarov, said. The total number of dead "could be bigger" Svarov said, adding that authorities had launched a huge search and rescue operation. "Major work is underway," Svarov said. "The damage to infrastructure in the village is significant." At least four pilots on the flight, which was travelling from Hong Kong to Istanbul via Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, were among the dead, the emergency services ministry said, with one pilot's body yet to be found. Around 43 houses were damaged by the crash, according to the emergency services ministry, which said that the accident sparked fires that spread, but have now been localised. "The plane crashed into the houses, it killed entire families," an eyewitness said. The government said in a statement that Deputy Prime Minister Moukhammetkali Aboulgaziev visited the scene, accompanied by the Ministers of Emergency Situations and Transport. Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev cancelled his visit to China to return to Bishkek, according to Kyrgyz media. (AFP)

Turkish Airlines cargo plane crashes into Kyrgyzstan village, 37 dead

A car driven by a suicide bomber exploded after ramming through a gate at the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, wounding three people, authorities said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;As a result of the explosion, only the suicide bomber terrorist died. Security guards were injured,&quot; Kyrgyzstan&#39;s Deputy Prime Minister Jenish Razakov told journalists. 
 
Razakov said the three wounded were all Kyrgyz employees of the Chinese embassy and that they had been taken to hospital. Local medics said their injuries were not serious. 
 
Bishkek police sources told AFP that a Mitsubishi Delica car smashed through a gate at the embassy before blowing up in the centre of the compound close to the ambassador&#39;s residence. 
 
Another source from the security service of the ex-Soviet Central Asian nation -- which borders China -- said an &quot;explosive device&quot; had been placed inside the vehicle.&nbsp; 
 
Local residents told AFP that the blast had blown in their windows and caused their houses to shake. 
 
Employees from the Chinese and nearby American embassy on the edge of the city were evacuated, the Kyrgyz emergency service said.&nbsp; 
 
Impoverished majority Muslim Kyrgyzstan has a history of political instability and battling Islamist extremism. 
 
The economically troubled ally of Russia has seen two governments overthrown and ethnic violence claim hundreds of lives since it gained independence in 1991. 
 
The authorities regularly announce that they have foiled attacks planned by the Islamic State group in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Security forces last year said they had engaged in several deadly shootouts with suspected &quot;terrorists&quot; in Bishkek.&nbsp; 
 
Officials say that some 500 Kyrgyz are thought to have joined the ranks of Islamic State fighting in Syria and Iraq. &nbsp; 
 
Chinese officials in the country have previously been targeted, with one shot dead in 2000 in an attack blamed on radicals from China&#39;s Uighur minority. 
 
Kyrgyzstan and the other ex-Soviet Central Asian nations have come under fire for using a purported terror threat to silence criticism of their secular regimes. 
 
(AFP)

The blast killed the suicide bomber and wounded three Kyrgyz employees of the Chinese embassy

A car driven by a suicide bomber exploded after ramming through a gate at the Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, wounding three people, authorities said. "As a result of the explosion, only the suicide bomber terrorist died. Security guards were injured," Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Prime Minister Jenish Razakov told journalists. Razakov said the three wounded were all Kyrgyz employees of the Chinese embassy and that they had been taken to hospital. Local medics said their injuries were not serious. Bishkek police sources told AFP that a Mitsubishi Delica car smashed through a gate at the embassy before blowing up in the centre of the compound close to the ambassador's residence. Another source from the security service of the ex-Soviet Central Asian nation -- which borders China -- said an "explosive device" had been placed inside the vehicle. Local residents told AFP that the blast had blown in their windows and caused their houses to shake. Employees from the Chinese and nearby American embassy on the edge of the city were evacuated, the Kyrgyz emergency service said. Impoverished majority Muslim Kyrgyzstan has a history of political instability and battling Islamist extremism. The economically troubled ally of Russia has seen two governments overthrown and ethnic violence claim hundreds of lives since it gained independence in 1991. The authorities regularly announce that they have foiled attacks planned by the Islamic State group in the country. Security forces last year said they had engaged in several deadly shootouts with suspected "terrorists" in Bishkek. Officials say that some 500 Kyrgyz are thought to have joined the ranks of Islamic State fighting in Syria and Iraq. Chinese officials in the country have previously been targeted, with one shot dead in 2000 in an attack blamed on radicals from China's Uighur minority. Kyrgyzstan and the other ex-Soviet Central Asian nations have come under fire for using a purported terror threat to silence criticism of their secular regimes. (AFP)

3 injured in suicide blast at Chinese embassy in Kyrgyzstan

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