India and Pakistan have advised their students in Bishkek to remain indoors following reports of clashes between locals and foreigners in the Kyrgyz capital. The Indian embassy in Kyrgyzstan stated it is in touch with Indian students, emphasising that the situation is “calm” but urging them to stay indoors.
India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar emphasised the importance of students maintaining regular contact with the embassy. “Monitoring the welfare of Indian students in Bishkek. The situation is reportedly calm now. Strongly advise students to stay in regular touch with the embassy,” he posted on X.
The Indian embassy reiterated, “We are in touch with our students. The situation is presently calm but students are advised to stay indoors for the moment and get in touch with the embassy in case of any issue.”
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Hasan Zaigham, also urged Pakistani students to stay indoors and issued helpline numbers for assistance. “In view of mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advises all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation returns to normal,” he posted on X. Zaigham added that the embassy is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure student safety.
Reports indicate that police in riot gear were deployed in parts of Bishkek overnight due to large crowds gathering in response to an alleged altercation between local and foreign individuals. This incident highlights tensions over the presence of South Asian migrants in Kyrgyzstan, with approximately 15,000 Indian students estimated to be in the country.
