The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was greeted by an enthusiastic group of people today, as he unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Bishkek. Speaking on the occasion, he remarked that this was his first visit to Central Asia, and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi had been unveiled in two countries, during this visit.

The Prime Minister described Mahatma Gandhi as a "vishv maanav" - one who was not bound by man-made borders. He said Bapu was a torchbearer not only for his generation but for the future generations as well. He said the world currently faces two major challenges, terrorism and climate change, and said the solution to both could be found in the life and thought of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Prime Minister congratulated the people and leaders of Kyrgyzstan for adopting the democratic form of Government.