Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh held extensive discussions in Ulaanbaatar on Monday, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exploring new initiatives to advance the next phase of the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
Addressing the media after the talks, Jaishankar described the discussions as “very warm, very productive and very open,” emphasizing that both countries are looking at fresh opportunities and shared projects to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
“We exchanged views on more ideas, new opportunities and preparing an agenda for the next level of our Strategic Partnership,” Jaishankar said, noting that enhanced cooperation in English-language education was among the initiatives discussed.
India and Mongolia, often described as “Strategic Partners,” “Spiritual Neighbours,” and “Third Neighbours,” share deep civilizational and cultural ties rooted in Buddhism, along with common democratic values and strong people-to-people connections.
The External Affairs Minister recalled that the two nations celebrated the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025 and highlighted the successful visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to India last October, which provided fresh momentum to bilateral ties. One of the key objectives of Jaishankar’s current visit was to review the implementation of agreements reached during discussions between President Khurelsukh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two sides reviewed cooperation in development partnerships, technology, trade, education, culture, defence, security, energy, and capacity building. Particular attention was given to the India-supported oil refinery project in Mongolia, regarded as the flagship development partnership initiative between the two countries. Other collaborative projects include an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, a school project, and several Quick Impact Projects.
Jaishankar said the discussions also focused on emerging opportunities in mining, clean energy, agricultural processing, supply chain cooperation, and multilateral engagement. He expressed appreciation for Mongolia’s participation in the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance.
“We reiterated our commitment to work with the Mongolian side to take our Strategic Partnership to even greater heights,” he said.
During his visit, Jaishankar also called on President Khurelsukh and conveyed greetings from Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. He noted that the Mongolian leader’s visit to India last year had significantly strengthened bilateral relations.
“Fully agree with him that the greatest friendship is spiritual friendship,” Jaishankar said after the meeting.
The External Affairs Minister also met Sandag Byambatsogt, Speaker of Mongolia’s Parliament, welcoming his support for parliamentary exchanges and reaffirming India’s commitment to expanding people-centric development cooperation.
In addition, Jaishankar held discussions with Mongolian Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan and former President N. Enkhbayar, describing the interactions as important for strengthening the strategic partnership.
Highlighting the spiritual dimension of bilateral ties, Jaishankar visited the historic Gandan Monastery, where he met Chief Abbot Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj. He said the abbot’s blessings for deepening cultural ties and people-to-people goodwill were deeply valued.
Jaishankar’s June 22–23 visit to Mongolia forms part of a broader four-day diplomatic tour that will also take him to South Korea from June 24–25. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening strategic, economic, cultural, and parliamentary engagement with key partners in East Asia while advancing regional stability and cooperation. (ANI)
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