India and Mongolia took significant steps to deepen their cultural and developmental partnership during a state visit by Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to New Delhi. In a joint press statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the provision of free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province to enhance cultural and people-to-people ties.
The MoU aims to strengthen historical and civilizational linkages, particularly through shared Buddhist heritage and cultural exchanges between Ladakh and Arkhangai. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this agreement would provide “a fresh boost” to cultural relations, noting, “Even though we do not share a border, India has always considered Mongolia a close neighbor.” To further these ties, India will sponsor annual visits for young Mongolian cultural ambassadors to promote mutual understanding.
Economic collaboration was also a focal point of the discussions. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s role as a reliable partner in Mongolia’s development, particularly through the Oil Refinery Project in Sainshand, Dornogovi Province, supported by a USD 1.7 billion line of credit from India. This project, the largest of its kind globally for India, involves over 2,500 Indian professionals working alongside their Mongolian counterparts. Once completed, the refinery is expected to meet approximately 70 percent of Mongolia’s domestic fuel demand, significantly enhancing the country’s energy security.
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Education and skill development initiatives were also underscored as key pillars of the partnership. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India-Mongolia Friendship School were cited as examples of projects empowering Mongolian youth. Additionally, new initiatives in healthcare, renewable energy, and community development were announced to improve livelihoods, with a focus on addressing the needs of ordinary Mongolians.
The private sector’s growing involvement was another highlight, with opportunities being explored in energy, critical minerals, rare earths, digital technology, mining, agriculture, dairy, and cooperatives. President Ukhnaa announced that the Mongolian Air Carrier is preparing to launch charter flights to New Delhi and Amritsar later this year, a move expected to boost tourism and business ties.
The visit, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnership between the two nations, was celebrated with the launch of a joint postal stamp. President Ukhnaa extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi for a state visit to Mongolia, reinforcing the deep friendship between the two “spiritual neighbors.”
This milestone visit, the first by a Mongolian president to India in six years, underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their historic bonds and foster mutual prosperity through cultural and economic collaboration.
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