Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Saturday night, as part of his eight-day six-nation tour to Central Asia, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in here on Sunday.
“This is my first visit to Central Asia and I am proud to inaugurate the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at two places. From Ashgabat to Bishkek, the Mahatma remains relevant,” he said, adding, “Mahatma Gandhi never belonged to any nation. He is a Vishwa Manav.”
Talking about the menace of terror PM Modi said, “Today the world is facing two big problems, terrorism and climate change. Violence is no solution and Mahatma Gandhi has demonstrated that. Non violence and dialogue are the ways ahead.”
At the same time he also emphasised, “Kyrgyzstan and India are connected by geography, history and culture.”
India and Kyrgyzstan today signed four agreements including one to boost defence cooperation and hold annual joint military exercises.
The agreements include one on defence cooperation and culture. Two MoUs were also signed for cooperation between the Election Commissions of the two countries and on cooperation in the sphere of Standards, a move that will help economic relations.
The two countries also agreed to expeditiously consider signing an agreement on "combating international terrorism and other crimes".
Mahatma Gandhi's message is eternal. Glad to have inaugurated busts of Gandhi ji in 2 Central Asian nations. pic.twitter.com/9zryMIoFMh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2015
Was happy to see the enthusiasm during inauguration of Gandhi ji's bust. Several people from Indian community, mostly young students joined.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 12, 2015
From Ashgabat to Bishkek, the Mahatma remains relevant. PM unveils statue of Mahatma in presence of Kyrgyz PM & Mayor pic.twitter.com/a7Q4JOlTuO
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 12, 2015
PM @narendramodi: The Mahatma showed the world a non violent way to effect change #Gandhi pic.twitter.com/0LBIHC5TzL
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 12, 2015
(With Agency inputs)
