Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations
Context
- India and Mongolia inked 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in New Delhi.
Major Agreements and MoUs
- Cultural & Educational Exchange: An MoU links India’s Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Leh) with Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province to deepen Buddhist heritage ties.
- India will send a Sanskrit teacher to Mongolia’s Gandantegchinlen (Gandan) Monastery and digitize ancient Buddhist manuscripts, strengthening the historic Nalanda-Gandan connection.
- People-to-People Mobility: India announced gratis e-visas for Mongolian citizens and will sponsor annual cultural-ambassador visits.
- MoUs on promotion of cooperatives, geology and mineral resources, and digital transformation will guide joint ventures in mining, critical minerals and technology.
- India is financing Mongolia’s first oil refinery, via a $1.7 billion line of credit, to strengthen Mongolia’s energy security.
- Heritage & Wellness: India’s Archaeological Survey of India will help renovate Mongolia’s historic Bogd Khan Palace, and an MoU connects India’s Yoga institute (MDNIY) with the Mongolian Yoga Federation, promoting traditional wellness exchanges.
| Brief on India-Mongolia Relations – Political Cooperation: Diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia were established on 24 December 1955. 1. 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations. 2. India supported Mongolia in having UN and NAM memberships. 3. Mongolia has consistently backed India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. – Cultural Cooperation: The India-Mongolian Cultural Agreement signed in 1961 has governed the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between the two countries. 1. Buddhist Heritage: Buddhism forms the foundation of India–Mongolia ties. The link between Nalanda University and Gandan Monastery highlights ongoing cultural cooperation. 2. The establishment of an India–Mongolia Friendship School and celebration of International Day of Vesak in Ulaanbaatar reflect people-to-people bonding. – Defence Cooperation: The Joint India–Mongolia military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is held annually, focusing on counter-insurgency and peacekeeping operations. 1. India has announced capacity-building programmes for Mongolia’s border security forces and the appointment of a Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, marking a major step towards deeper military collaboration. |
Strategic Significance for India
- Energy Security: The Mongolian refinery project provides India with an entry point into the Central Asian energy network.
- Critical Minerals Cooperation: Mongolia is rich in coking coal, rare earths, and uranium, vital for India’s energy transition and industrial sectors.
- Regional Connectivity: India’s outreach through Mongolia complements its Act East Policy and Connect Central Asia Policy, bridging the gap between South, East, and Central Asia.
- Global South Partnership: Cooperation symbolizes solidarity among democracies of the Global South in pursuing inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Source: AIR
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