PM Modi Affirms India’s Role as Mongolia’s Trusted Development Partner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India's unwavering commitment as a reliable partner in Mongolia's progress during talks with President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on Tuesday. The Mongolian leader, on his inaugural state visit to India as president, arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a four-day itinerary focused on bolstering bilateral relations.

Following extensive discussions at Hyderabad House, Modi highlighted the profound spiritual connection between the two nations, rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions. "Our relationship transcends mere diplomacy; it embodies a spiritual bond," Modi stated in a joint press address. "For generations, India and Mongolia have been united by the principles of Buddhism, earning us the designation of spiritual siblings."

To facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges, India announced the extension of free e-visas to Mongolian citizens, a move expected to enhance tourism, education, and business interactions. This initiative aligns with India's broader visa liberalization efforts in the region, aiming to simplify travel and foster closer ties.

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Modi emphasized India's tangible contributions to Mongolia's development, particularly in critical infrastructure. "We have stood steadfastly with Mongolia in its growth narrative," he noted, referencing the USD 1.7 billion Line of Credit extended for the construction of Mongolia's first oil refinery in Dornogovi province. This landmark project, executed by Indian engineers and firms, is poised to bolster Mongolia's energy security by reducing dependence on imports and creating jobs in refining and logistics sectors. Upon completion, the 1.5 million tonnes per annum facility will process crude oil supplied via pipelines, marking a milestone in sustainable energy collaboration.

Diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia date back to 1955, evolving into a comprehensive partnership encompassing defense and security, where joint exercises like Nomadic Elephant strengthen military interoperability; energy and mining, leveraging Mongolia's vast mineral resources including coal and rare earths; information technology, with Indian firms aiding digital infrastructure; education and healthcare, through scholarships and medical training programs; and cultural exchanges, including Buddhist heritage preservation.

President Ukhnaa echoed Modi's sentiments, praising India's role in capacity building and expressing gratitude for support during Mongolia's democratic transition and economic diversification efforts amid its landlocked geography and harsh climatic challenges. The visit included delegation-level talks covering trade enhancement—bilateral trade stood at USD 50 million in 2024, with potential in dairy and pharmaceuticals—and climate resilience initiatives, given both nations' vulnerability to environmental shifts.

High-level agreements signed during the visit include MoUs on cybersecurity cooperation, space technology sharing for remote sensing applications in mining, and cultural heritage restoration, particularly Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia that trace lineage to Indian influences. India's commitment also extends to humanitarian aid, with recent contributions of essential medicines and disaster relief equipment.

This engagement occurs against the backdrop of India's Act East Policy and Mongolia's Third Neighbor strategy, seeking balanced relations beyond its giants, Russia and China. Analysts view the strengthened alliance as a counterbalance in Eurasian geopolitics, promoting democratic values and rule-based order.

As President Ukhnaa proceeds to pay homage at Rajghat and engage with business leaders, the visit reinforces a partnership poised for deeper integration. With Buddhism as the glue and development aid as the bridge, India-Mongolia relations are set to enter a new era of mutual prosperity and strategic alignment.

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