New Delhi |Oct 15, 2025 | BeyondborBersbyJwala
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today welcomed Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations as the two nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties and a decade of their Strategic Partnership. The visit, President Khurelsukh's first to India in six years, highlighted a deepening bond built on shared spiritual heritage, democratic values, and a robust commitment to mutual development.
"India and Mongolia are natural partners," Prime Minister Modi stated, emphasizing that their relationship extends beyond diplomacy to a "deep, soulful, and spiritual bond." The leaders commenced their meeting with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony under the "EK Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, with President Khurelsukh planting a banyan tree in honor of his late mother, symbolizing the enduring friendship.
Strategic Partnership: A Decade of Growth
Elevated to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's visit to Mongolia ten years ago, the relationship has expanded "stronger and deeper across every dimension."
- Defence and Security: Cooperation is steadily strengthening, with new initiatives including training programs and the appointment of a Defence Attaché at the Embassy. India will also launch a new capacity-building program for Mongolia's border security forces, underscoring a shared commitment to regional stability.
- Global Alignment: Both nations stand as close partners in international forums, advocating for a "free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific" and working to "amplify the voice of the Global South."
Spiritual Siblings: Reinforcing Buddhist Ties
The ancient bond of Buddhism, which PM Modi affectionately referred to as making them "spiritual siblings," received a major boost. Significant announcements included:
- Sacred Relics: Next year, holy relics of Lord Buddha's two great disciples – Sariputra and Maudgalyayana – will be sent from India to Mongolia.
- Knowledge Exchange: A Sanskrit teacher will be sent to Gandan Monastery to support the in-depth study of Buddhist texts, continuing an ancient tradition.
- Cultural Preservation: A project to digitize one million ancient manuscripts will be launched soon.
- Academic Linkages: Nalanda University, historically vital to Buddhism in Mongolia, will strengthen its connection with Gandan Monastery.
- Local Governance Cooperation: An MoU between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province will further boost cultural ties at the sub-national level.
People-to-People Connectivity
Despite not sharing a physical border, India consistently regards Mongolia as a close neighbour. To further strengthen people-to-people ties, India announced:
- Free E-Visas: Mongolian citizens will now receive free e-visas to India.
- Youth Ambassadors: India will sponsor the annual visit of young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia.
India as a Reliable Development Partner
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's role as a "strong and reliable partner in Mongolia’s development":
- Energy Security: The Oil Refinery Project, supported by India’s $1.7 billion line of credit, stands as India’s largest development partnership project globally. With over 2,500 Indian professionals working on it, the project is set to significantly enhance Mongolia’s energy security.
- Skill Development: Initiatives like the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India-Mongolia Friendship School are empowering Mongolian youth.
- Grassroots Development: New projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Mongolians were announced, with a focus on their needs.
The private sectors of both nations are also exploring new avenues of cooperation in vital areas such as energy, critical minerals, rare-earths, digital technologies, mining, agriculture, dairy, and cooperatives, signaling a diversification of economic engagement.
Concluding his statement, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the strategic partnership, built on a "solid foundation of trust and friendship" and nurtured by shared heritage and democratic values, would reach "new heights." The visit underscores India's unwavering commitment to its strategic ties with Mongolia, envisioning a future of shared growth and prosperity.
List of Outcomes: State Visit of President of Mongolia
Announcements:
- Joint Statement on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
- Mongolia’s reiteration of support for India’s permanent membership of the UNSC
- Signing of Framework Agreement on International Big Cat Alliance
- Signing of Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance
- Appointment of a Resident Defence Attaché in Ulaanbaatar
- Extension of e-visas on gratis basis to Mongolian nationals
- Sending of Holy Relics of Arhant Maudgalyayana and Arhant Sariputra to Mongolia in 2026
- Deputation of a Sanskrit teacher to Gandantegchinlen Monastery
- India orientation visit for a Mongolian students group
- Joint commemorative stamp release to mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations
- Additional 70 ITEC slots for Mongolian nationals to mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations (2025–26)
MoUs signed:
- MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme
- MoU on Immigration Cooperation
- MoU on Promotion of Cooperatives
- MoU between LAHDC, Leh and Arkhangai Province, Mongolia
- MoU on Humanitarian Aid and Assistance during Disaster, Natural Calamities or Pandemic
- MoU on Cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources
- MoU on Quick Impact Projects
- MoU between Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) and Mongolian Yoga Federation (MYF)
- MoU between ASI and Mongolian Ministry of Culture for Renovation of Bogd Khan Palace
- MoU between MeitY, India and MoDDIC, Mongolia on Cooperation in Digital Transformation
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