India-Mongolia Relations

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is on a state visit to India from 13 to 16 October 2025.

• India and Mongolia have signed 10 MoUs to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors including heritage, minerals, digital solutions, and humanitarian aid.

Key Areas of Cooperation

• Humanitarian Aid & Heritage Restoration: Cooperation in restoration of heritage sites in Mongolia, showcasing India’s expertise in cultural preservation.
• Minerals & Geology: Strengthened collaboration on geology and mineral resources, focusing on sustainable and mutually beneficial resource management.
• Promotion of Cooperatives: MoUs also focus on fostering cooperation in the promotion of cooperatives, encouraging mutual support in areas such as agriculture, local industries, and socio-economic development.
• Capacity Building: India will initiate a capacity-building programme to enhance the training and capabilities of Mongolia’s Border Security Force.
• Cultural Diplomacy: India will offer free e-visas to Mongolian citizens and sponsor annual visits for young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India, strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Spiritual and Cultural Ties: 
• • Holy Relics: Relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, key disciples of Lord Buddha, will be sent to Mongolia next year.
  • Nalanda and Gandan Monastery: Strengthened ties by linking Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery, a historic initiative to foster spiritual and academic exchanges.
• Digital Solutions: Agreement to share digital solutions between the two nations, marking a significant step in tech cooperation.
• Air Connectivity: A new Mongolian air carrier is set to begin charter flights to Amritsar and New Delhi, strengthening tourism and business ties.

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India–Mongolia Bilateral Relations

• Historical & Cultural Ties
  • Ancient Linkages: Shared heritage through Buddhism, with Indian monks influencing Mongolian spiritual traditions.
  • Modern Diplomatic Relations: Established in December 1955; India was the first non-Soviet country to recognize Mongolia.
• Strategic Partnership:
  • Elevation to Strategic Partnership: In 2015, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ulaanbaatar, both nations declared a strategic partnership.
  • Commemoration: 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th year of strategic partnership. 
• Defence Cooperation:
  • Joint Exercises: India and Mongolia conduct annual military exercises under the name “Nomadic Elephant”, while India also participates in Mongolia’s “Khaan Quest” peacekeeping drills since 2003, reinforcing mutual defense ties.
  • High-Level Engagements: Regular meetings of the India–Mongolia Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation.
• Economic & Developmental Cooperation:
  • Oil Refinery Project: India is constructing Mongolia’s first oil refinery with a $1.7 billion line of credit; expected to be operational by 2028.
  • Development Assistance: India has extended soft loans and technical assistance in sectors like education, IT, and healthcare.
  • Bilateral Trade: In 2024, bilateral trade between India and Mongolia reached $110.876 million, signaling a promising growth trajectory in economic cooperation.
• Cultural & People-to-People Ties:
  • Cultural Exchanges: India and Mongolia regularly exchange cultural troupes, and projects like the reprinting of the Mongolian Kanjur (the Buddhist scripture) showcase their shared cultural heritage.
  • Spiritual Diplomacy: India continues to promote Buddhist heritage through various initiatives, reinforcing the spiritual bonds between the two nations.

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