Indian embassy in Bishkek ensures safety, welfare of Indian students: MEA

New Delhi, May 30: The situation in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan remains stable, and the Indian Embassy is committed to assisting Indian students, maintaining regular contact with both local authorities and the students to ensure their safety and welfare.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in response to a question at a weekly press briefing, stated, “Over two weeks ago, some incidents involving foreign students from other countries had happened which concerned our students. Our Embassy immediately got in touch with Indian students to ensure their safety and welfare. They opened 24x7 helplines to assist them.”

Jaiswal further added, “They also took up the matter with local authorities and university administration to ensure their well-being. Daily direct flights between Delhi and Bishkek, and via Almaty, are available for students who wish to travel home for summer vacation. Our Embassy remains committed to assisting Indian students.”

Hundreds of Indian students are studying in universities, mostly medical colleges, in Kyrgyzstan. Due to the tension between outsiders and local students two weeks ago, many Indian students expressed a desire to return home despite assurances that the situation is stabilizing. The Indian embassy in Bishkek has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and transportation of these students.

The anxiety among the students stems from scattered incidents of mob violence targeting international student hostels since May 17. Several medical students have urgently requested assistance to reach the airport and return to India. Concerns have been raised by families back in India, who remain worried about their loved ones’ well-being.

Earlier, the embassy reassured in a tweet, “The situation in and around Bishkek is normal and stable. Flights to India are operational. The embassy is in contact with medical universities in Kyrgyzstan to address the concerns of Indian students.”

On May 22, Ambassador Arun K Chatterjee visited the International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) in Bishkek, meeting with Indian students to address their concerns. He advised them to adhere to IHSM’s guidelines and to reach out to the embassy whenever necessary. The embassy provided two helpline numbers (0555710041 and 0555005538) for Indian students needing assistance.

The Indian embassy also visited several other universities and medical colleges where Indian students are studying. In a press release, the embassy reiterated that all Indian students are safe as the situation in Bishkek starts to normalize following the mob violence. The unrest on May 17 predominantly involved Pakistani students and residents.

Every year, many Indian students join medical and other universities in the Kyrgyz Republic for further studies. At the moment, around 17,000 Indian students are in the Kyrgyz Republic, spread across many cities, but most of them are in Bishkek.

The embassy has been working closely with universities and senior government officials to address the students’ concerns. Additionally, the press release advised students and their families to disregard rumours spread by mischievous elements.

The violence followed a skirmish on May 13 between local Kyrgyz students and students from Egypt and other Arab countries, resulting in the injury of a Kyrgyz student. The situation escalated on May 16 when mobs targeted and attacked foreign students, including those from India and Pakistan. At least 14 Pakistani students were reportedly injured.

As the academic year concludes after examinations, the embassy has instructed students to complete the necessary formalities before travelling back to India. “Prior to travelling back to India, including for summer vacations, all Indian students must contact their respective universities about the formalities required for the completion of their exams. In case any assistance is needed, the students are requested to contact the Embassy of India in Bishkek. The Embassy remains committed to ensuring the well-being of the Indian student community,” the press release concluded.