Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's visit to New Delhi marks a new impetus in the strategic partnership between India and Mongolia. Indian Prime Minister Modi announced a training programme for Mongolian border forces, free e-visas, and deeper cultural exchanges based on Buddhism. The two countries are united by a shared desire to reduce trade and energy dependence on China and Russia.

 

New Delhi (AsiaNews) – During Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's visit to India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of commitments in the areas of defence, energy, culture, and border security, becoming a player in a geopolitical context dominated by Russia and China, Mongolia's main partners.

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa flew to India on a visit marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the tenth anniversary of their strategic partnership. This is also the first visit by a Mongolian president to India in six years.

During the joint press conference, Modi announced a new training and development programme for Mongolia's border security forces, part of India's broader commitment to supporting the country's defence capacity.

New Delhi will also name a defence attaché to its embassy in Ulaanbaatar, renewing the existing strategic relationship. The annual joint military exercise, "Nomadic Elephant”, was held in June.

“Our approach to global issues is based on our shared values. We stand as close partners in international forums, supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Together, we also work to amplify the voice of the Global South," the Indian prime minister said.

Modi also announced the introduction of free electronic visas (e-visas) for Mongolian nationals and the funding of an annual exchange programme for young cultural ambassadors.

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and the Mongolian province of Arkhangai signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote joint projects in education and tourism.

Even though his political base is rooted in Hindutva (Hindu supremacism), Prime Minister Modi praised the relations between the two countries, both founded on Buddhism, stressing that the “strategic partnership” between India and Mongolia also entails a “deep, soulful, and spiritual bond.”

“Both our countries share the age-old bond of Buddhism, which is why we are also called spiritual siblings. Today, we made several important decisions to further strengthen this tradition and our historic ties,” Modi said.

The Indian leader also announced the transfer of the relics of Buddha's disciples and new academic ties between Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar.

More than 400 Mongolian monks study at various Indian monasteries.

The two countries also unveiled a joint stamp depicting the Indian ramlila (a theatrical performance narrating the epic of the Hindu god Rama) and the biyelgee, a Mongolian folk dance.

Regarding economic relations and infrastructural projects, the two leaders reiterated the central place of an oil refinery project in Mongolia, funded by New Delhi with a US$ 1.7 billion credit line.

Expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027, the facility should reduce Mongolia’s energy dependence on Russia and ensure greater energy security, covering up to 60 per cent of the country’s needs.

According to official sources, India is also ready to expand its support for renewable energy, mineral resources, digitalisation, and sustainable farming, with deals currently being finalised for the export to Indian industries of metallurgical coal and rare earths from Mongolia’s rich Tavan Tolgoi Basin.

For the Indian leader, the two countries share common values ​​of democracy, peace, and development, and will continue to work together for stability in Asia and the world.

President Khurelsukh thanked Modi for the friendship shown to his country in every domain, from energy assistance to education, and for opening India's doors to Mongolian nationals with the new free e-visas.

New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar have a shared interest in diversifying their alliances (a doctrine known as the "Third Neighbour Policy" in Mongolia and "Act East" in India) to build a multipolar balance of power in Eurasia, reducing dependence on Russia and China.

In fact, Mongolia’s trade with China amounts to US$ 19 billion a year, while with India it stands at US$ 110 million.

• mongolia
• india
• china
• russia
• narenda modi
• khurelsukh ukhnaa
• trade
• defence
• energy
• culture
• buddhism