PM Narendra Modi and President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh of Mongolia reaffirmed the historic and spiritual bonds between their two nations during President Khurelsukh’s official visit to India — his first in six years — marking a renewed chapter in 70 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of Strategic Partnership between India and Mongolia.
A Visit of Symbolism and Substance
Welcoming President Khurelsukh and his delegation, Prime Minister Modi described the visit as “a very special occasion” symbolizing the depth of India–Mongolia friendship. The two leaders jointly released a commemorative postal stamp celebrating seven decades of diplomatic engagement and ten years of strategic partnership, reflecting shared heritage, civilizational ties, and cultural diversity.
The meeting began with a tree-planting ceremony under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. President Khurelsukh planted a banyan tree in memory of his late mother, symbolizing environmental commitment and enduring friendship between the two ancient civilizations.
Strengthening Strategic and Defence Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing defence and security cooperation between India and Mongolia. Building on the partnership elevated in 2015, both nations agreed to expand military training exchanges and enhance institutional cooperation. India announced the appointment of a Defence Attaché at its Embassy in Ulaanbaatar and the launch of a capacity-building programme for Mongolia’s border security forces, signalling a deepening strategic dimension to the bilateral relationship.
The two countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, and to working together to amplify the voice of the Global South in multilateral forums — a theme central to India’s foreign policy outreach in recent years.
Spiritual Civilizational Bonds and Cultural Cooperation
Calling the India–Mongolia relationship “a soulful and spiritual bond,” Prime Minister Modi underlined the unique Buddhist heritage that links the two nations, describing them as “spiritual siblings.”
In a landmark cultural gesture, India announced that in 2026, it will send the holy relics of Lord Buddha’s two great disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, to Mongolia for public veneration — a move expected to deepen cultural and religious ties.
India will also depute a Sanskrit teacher to Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery to support advanced studies in Buddhist scriptures and digitize one million ancient Buddhist manuscripts as part of a new joint heritage project. Nalanda University will be linked with Gandan Monastery to promote academic and cultural exchange.
Adding a regional dimension to this cooperation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (India) and Arkhangai Province (Mongolia), reinforcing sub-national cultural collaboration.
People-to-People Ties and Connectivity
Emphasizing India’s enduring friendship with Mongolia despite the absence of a shared border, Prime Minister Modi announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and a new initiative to bring young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India annually. These measures aim to enhance tourism, youth engagement, and mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations.
Development Partnership and Economic Collaboration
Reaffirming India’s role as a reliable partner in Mongolia’s development journey, Prime Minister Modi lauded the progress of the $1.7 billion Oil Refinery Project near Sainshand, funded through India’s Line of Credit — India’s largest overseas development project. Over 2,500 Indian professionals are currently working alongside their Mongolian counterparts on this landmark initiative, which will significantly enhance Mongolia’s energy security and economic self-reliance.
Both leaders also explored new avenues of cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, renewable energy, digital innovation, agriculture, dairy, and cooperative development. India’s private sector is expected to play a vital role in advancing these partnerships.
In addition, existing institutions such as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India–Mongolia Friendship School continue to empower Mongolian youth, demonstrating India’s long-term commitment to human capital development in the region.
Shared Vision for the Future
Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India–Mongolia relations are rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared democratic values, nurtured by civilizational ties that transcend geography.
“Our relationship is not just diplomatic; it is deeply spiritual and emotional,” Modi said. “Together, we will take this strategic partnership to new heights.”
President Khurelsukh’s visit is expected to infuse fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation, aligning India and Mongolia as like-minded partners in Asia’s evolving strategic landscape — one bound by history, spirituality, and a shared vision of peace and sustainable development.
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