PM Modi, Mongolian President pledge to deepen strategic, cultural ties

New Delhi, Oct 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh on his state visit to India, marking six years since the last high-level visit and coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.

To commemorate the occasion, the two leaders released a Joint Postal Stamp symbolising the nations’ shared heritage and civilizational links. The meeting began with a tree-planting ceremony under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, during which President Khurelsukh planted a banyan tree in memory of his late mother.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the steady expansion of defence and security cooperation, announcing new capacity-building programmes for Mongolia’s border security forces and the appointment of a Defence Attaché in Ulaanbaatar. Both countries also reaffirmed their support for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, and agreed to work together to amplify the voice of the Global South.

Emphasising deep cultural and spiritual connections rooted in Buddhism, Modi announced that India will send the holy relics of Sariputra and Maudgalyayana to Mongolia next year. A Sanskrit teacher will also be sent to the Gandan Monastery, and both sides agreed to launch a project to digitize one million ancient manuscripts. Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery will be linked to enhance Buddhist studies and research.

In a new initiative to foster local cooperation, an MoU was signed between Ladakh’s Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province. “ The MoU signed today between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province will give a fresh boost to our cultural ties.” Modi also announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and an annual exchange programme for young cultural ambassadors.

On the development front, the Prime Minister noted the progress of the India-assisted $1.7 billion oil refinery project in Mongolia, India’s largest overseas development partnership. Over 2,500 Indian professionals are currently working on the project. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation in education and technology through the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India-Mongolia Friendship School. The two leaders reviewed opportunities for private sector collaboration in energy, critical minerals, rare earths, digital innovation, agriculture, and dairy. Concluding the talks, Modi said India and Mongolia’s partnership is built on “trust, shared democratic values, and a rich cultural heritage,” expressing confidence that the relationship “will reach new heights in the years to come.”