Embassy of India

As on 10^th April, 2026

Embassy of India
Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia)

Brief on India-Mongolia Bilateral Relations

Brief Historic Background

India and Mongolia are Strategic Partners, Spiritual Siblings and Third Neighbours with centuries old deep civilizational linkages through Buddhism. Of late, 4 Ds Dharma, Democracy, Development Partnership & Digital Development Cooperation, have become pillars of India Mongolia relationship. Historically, India and Mongolia have interacted since antiquity through the shared heritage of Buddhism. Some Indian & Mongolian historians have conjectured about migration of some tribes from Kangra kingdom to Mongolian territory 4300 years ago. Mangaldev, son of the King headed the migrants and majority of them returned to India after staying there for about 2000 years though there is no historical evidence yet to prove this. In 1924, the then Prime Minister of Mongolia Mr. A. Amar mentioned in his book – “Short History of Mongolia” that Mongolian forefathers came from backside of Himalayan Mountains. Another interesting connection often quoted, is about ‘Ganga Nuur’ lake which accordingly to many Mongolians derived its name after ‘Ganga River’ in India from where some Mongolian Lamas brought water and poured into the lake in Sukhbaatar Province and naming it so. Many words in Mongolian language trace roots in Sanskrit and Pali.

2. As for Buddhism, it appears to have traversed to Mongolian steppes through Tibet and Himalayan region. During the Hunnu State of 3^rd century BC and later during the period of Great Mongol Empire Buddhist monks, several traders from India visited Mongolia. In 552 BC, a Lama Narendrayash from the State of Udayana (Northern India) with some others visited Nirun state. To most Mongols, India is the land of Buddha, Lamas and students from Mongolia used to travel to Nalanda, once the largest residential University in India, to study Buddhism.

“India and Mongolia are ancient lands of the ancient people of Asia. The historic and cultural collaboration between India and Mongolia is most fascinating and unique and is as old as the history of the spread of Indian culture and ideas into Central Asia and Siberia. We in India consider the Mongol veneration of Sanskrit, a matter of special privilege. We hold the people of Mongolia in high esteem for preserving in translation as well as in manuscripts, the vast collection of our precious Sanskrit text on our philosophy, poetry, logic and astronomy lost by us over centuries. In modern times, too many Mongols visited India–the land of Buddhism” - Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, former Prime Minister / EAM in 1978

3. In modern times, Buddhism has been promoted by cultural and literary contacts between the people of India and Mongolia. Prof. Raghu Vira, founding member of International Academy of Indian Culture in Delhi discovered that Mongolia’s spiritual and literacy heritage was the golden light, the Altangerel, the Suvarna-Prabhasa-Sutra, or the irreducible diamond in the rock of Vajra- cchedika. In recent times, Prof. Lokesh Chandra collaborated with his father Prof. Raghu Vira and completed the “New Tibeto-Mongol Pantheon” in 20 volumes and also edited 108 large volumes of the Mongolian Kanjur or Buddhist Canon. These accounts confirm that both India and Mongolia were in close direct contacts especially during 5-7 century AD and it seems that Buddhism in Mongolia accelerated the process of further spread of Indian culture in Mongolia. The intellectual development of Mongolia is ostensibly influenced by the Mahayana school of Buddhism, its philosophy and philosophical treaties of Nagarjuna used in simplified expression and terminology. Mongolian Buddhism is predominantly the Yellow Hat sect of Buddhism practiced in Tibet and China but over the centuries, it has evolved into its own version, having incorporated the pre-Buddhist religion of ‘Tengarism’ as well as ‘Shamanistic’ influences.

4. Late Ambassador of India to Mongolia, 19^th Bakula Rimpoche during his 10 years tenure in Mongolia from 1990-2000 contributed immensely to consolidating this legacy of Buddhist connection with India and was instrumental in reviving 100s of Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia and setting up of revered Pethub Monastery in UB city. Since 2019, extra efforts have been devoted by the Mission to further deepen, intensify and consolidate our shared heritage of Buddhism with Mongolia by initiating ‘Digitization of 1 million ancient Buddhist Manuscripts; installation of Life size statue of Lord Buddha and 2 disciples in Gandan Monastery (jointly inaugurated virtually by Hon. PM & President Battulga in Sept 2019); 10 additional ICCR scholarships for Buddhist studies in India; arranging repeat telecasts on MNB of Mongolian dubbed 55-episode Indian TV serial on Lord Buddha; assisting Gandan Monastery in holding of 50^th anniversary of ABCP, 3^rd Edition of Hinduism-Buddhism Samvaad in Mongolia and coordinating reprinting of 100 sets of (108 volumes each) sacred Mongolian Kanjur by Ministry of Culture. In addition, to further promote and reinforce our cultural & spiritual connect, the Mission facilitated printing/release of a commemorative stamp on Rev. Kushok Bakula Rimpoche by Mongol Post in June 2022 and arranged exposition of 4-pieces of Holy Buddha (Kapilvastu) Relics, after a gap of 29 years from National Museum of India for 11 days at the Gandantegcheling monastery starting on ‘Buddha Day’ (June 14, 2022) alongside Mongolian Buddha (Tooth) relic. These ‘relics’ were brought by a special C-17 IAF aircraft by Minister of Law and Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju and 20^th Kushok Bakula Rimpoche and were accorded protocol courtesies due to a ‘State Guest’ including reception at Airport by Minister of Culture, Former Speaker and Chairperson of India-Mongolia Parliamentary Group.

Several present day Mongolian scholars, 93+ year old Prof. Gandendarama through his translations of Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kalidasa and about 30 more books into Mongolian language and Prof Shrindev’s translation of 8 volumes of ‘Dhammapada’ from Pali to Mongolian language have also highlighted close historical connect between the two countries and pitched in for furthering the bond of cultural heritage with Mongolia. Through his initiative, Prof. Shirindev has also installed a life size replica of Ashoka Pillar Obelisk in Uvs Province to mark the Vesak Buddha Day in May 2022. Prof Shirindev has taught the Vipassana technique of meditation to more than 40,000 Mongolian nationals.

Diplomatic Relations

5. India’s diplomatic relations with Mongolia were established on 24^th December 1955 and in January 1956, the first Mongolian Ambassador was posted to New Delhi. However, the Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened on 22 February 1971 and prior to that Indian Ambassador in Moscow (T.N. Kaul) was concurrently accredited. Mongolians appreciate India’s support to its membership in United Nations in 1961 which was championed by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1991, India supported Mongolia’s membership to Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Mongolia along with India and Bhutan co-sponsored famous UN Resolution for the recognition of Bangladesh as an independent country in 1972. In 2020, the Mission marked the 65^th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations in 2025, 70^th anniversary of establishment of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations was celebrated.

6. The first ever visit at the level of PM by Shri Narendra Modi to Mongolia in May 2015 to mark the 60^thanniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia brought in a paradigm shift in our relationship, which was elevated to the level of “Strategic Partnership” with Mongolia – the fourth country in the world to do so. The momentum thus generated has been sustained by several high level exchanges in the last several years (Visits of Home Minister & EAM - 2018, Minster of Petroleum and Natural Gas - Oct 2019, MOS(EA) – Nov 2021, Minister of Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju, Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh – 2022, Shri Om Birla, Speaker – July 2023, Governor of Bihar-Oct. 2024) and by initiating of process of construction of first Oil Refinery in Mongolia under Exim Bank LoC – the single largest project of assistance of India - capable of refining 1.5 million MMTPA (equivalent to approximate 60%-70% of Mongolian energy consumption), Inauguration of Cyber Security Training Centre (CSTC) – Sep 2022, Exposition of Sacred relics of Lord Buddha – June 2022 has further consolidated goodwill and friendship while contributing to further consolidation of development partnership with Mongolia.

The successful state visit of President of Mongolia H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in Oct 2025 has further strengthened the Strategic partnership.

High Level Visits from India to Mongolia

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary East (Sept, 2025)

Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary (June, 2025)

Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Bihar (30 Sept – 05 Oct 2024)

Shri Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner (25-29 June 2024)

Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) (12-15 Sept 2023)

Shri Om Birla, Speaker of Lok Sabha (July 6-8, 2023)

Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence (Sep 5-7, 2022)

Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Law & Justice (June 13-16, 2022) with Buddha Relics

Dr R R Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs (Nov 23-26, 2021)

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum (Oct 8-10, 2019)

Shri Kiren Rijiju, MoS (Home), (3-6 July 2018) for 2^nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR)

Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs (21-24 June 2018)

Smt Sushma Swaraj, EAM (24-26 April 2018)

Shri Hamid Ansari, Vice President (2016) for ASEM meeting

Smt Sumitra Mahajan, Lok Sabha Speaker (2016)

Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (May, 2015)

Smt Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President (2011)

Smt Meira Kumar, Lok Sabha Speaker (2010)

Shri GMC Balayogi, Lok Sabha Speaker (2001),

Shri Krishan Kant, Vice-President (1999)

Shri P.A. Sangma, Lok Sabha Speaker (1997)

Shri K. R. Narayanan, Vice-President (1996),

Shri Shivraj Patil, Lok Sabha Speaker (1995),

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Vice-President (1992),

Shri R. Venkataraman, President (1988)

Dr. Balram Jhakhar, Lok Sabha Speaker (1985),

Dr. G.S. Dhillon, Lok Sabha Speaker (1974),

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President (1957),

7. The first ever and historic visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Mongolia (16-18 May 2015) as a part of ‘Act East’ policy, has proven to be a watershed period for India Mongolia relations. The declaration of ‘Strategic Partnership’, signing of 22-point Joint Statement, announcement of USD 1 Billion LoC for development of Infrastructure in Mongolia – being utilized for building 1^st Oil Refinery - and 13 agreements (Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners, Revised Air Services Agreement, Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Animal Health and Dairy, MOU on establishment of a Joint India-Mongolia Friendship School, MOU on cooperation in the area of Traditional Systems of Medicine, Cultural Exchange Program for 2015-18, MOU on Cooperation in the field of Border Patrolling & Surveillance, MOU on cooperation between National Security Councils, and MOU on gifting a Bhabatron-II Cancer Therapy Machine (implemented) to the National Cancer Centre in Ulaanbaatar) in diverse fields set the tone for the accelerated economic cooperation with Mongolia. PM was accorded with the privilege of addressing the Mongolian Parliament on a Sunday. Never before in the history, Mongolian Parliament convened on a holiday for any visiting foreign dignitary.

8. Subsequently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with Prime Minister J. Erdenebat met on the sidelines of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (June 2017) and also met thrice with the then President Kh Battulga on the margins of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit at Qingdao, China (June 2018) and Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok (Sep 2019) before holding full bilateral meeting in New Delhi during State Visit to India (Sept 2019). PM’s meetings with Mongolian President was prominently noted in Mongolian media for enhancing bilateral relations.

9. External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, had a bilateral meeting with Mongolian Foreign Minister Mr D. Tsogtbaatar in Aug 2019 while attending the East Asia Summit (EAS) & Foreign Ministers Meeting at Bangkok followed by telephonic call with him in May 2020. Former FM Tsogtbaatar, who attended 2019 Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi had a close connection with former EAM Smt Sushma Swaraj whom he would address as “Sister’ and the then EAM would address him as “Brother” in letters exchanged. EAM also met the new Foreign Minister Ms. B. Battsetseg on the margins of CICA meeting in Kazakhstan on Oct 12, 2021 and held a pull aside meeting during COP 26 in Glasgow in Nov 2021. EAM also had bilateral meeting with FM Battsetseg during Munich Security Conference in Feb 2022. He also met FM Battsetseg at UN in Sept 2024 and had a brief meeting with the Prime Minister of Mongolia during SCO Summit in Islamabad on 15-16 October 2024. EAM also met & held discussions with FM Battsetseg during the Munich Security Conference on 15 Feb. 2025 and the Critical Minerals Ministerial at Washington on 02-04 Feb, 2026.

10. Speaker of Great Khural, G. Zandanshatar accompanied by 6 parliamentarians visited India in Dec 2021 following which Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha paid a reciprocal visit to Mongolia from July 6-8, 2023 accompanied by 5 MPs, Secretary General and parliamentary delegation during which views were exchanged on enhancing parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations. Two Protocols of Cooperation were also signed on parliamentary matters.

Listed below are the visits of Mongolian dignitaries to India

Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia (Oct 13-16, 2025)

Mr. Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs- Raisina Dialogue and FOC (16-19 March 2025)

Brig. Gen. Gankhuyag Dagvadorj, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence (5-11 Feb. 2025)

Maj. Gen. Lakhagvasuren Kh., Head of General Agency for Border Protection (02-07 Feb. 2025)

Mr. Enkhbat Damdin, Secretary General, State Great Khural of Mongolia (25 Feb – 01 March 2024)

Mr. Amartuvshin Gombosuren, Vice Foreign Minister (21-23 Feb. 2024) – for 9^th Edition of Raisina Dialogue

Mr. G. Ganbayar, Vice Minister for Education & Science (19-21 Dec., 2022)

Ms. Solongo Bayarsaikhan, Vice Minister for Justice & Home Affairs, 18-19 Nov. 2022(for NMFT)

Gen. G Saikhanbayar, Defence Minister of Mongolia, Oct 17-22, 2022 (For Def Expo)

Mr G. Zandanshatar, Speaker of Parliament of Mongolia (Nov 30-Dec 5, 2021)

Mr Oyun Edene, Minister/Chief Cabinet Secretary (6-12 Jan 2020) – Present PM

Mr. Kh Battulga, President of Mongolia (Sept 19-23, 2019)

Mr. B. Baatarzorig, Chairman of Civil Service Council (CSC) (2-6 July 2019)

Mr. L. Bold, Member of Parliament (Feb 2019) – for attending Kumbh

Mr. D. Sumiyabazar, Minister of Mining & Heavy Industry (10-12 Feb 2019) –(for Petrotech 2018 and signing of Contract with EIL and Mongol Refinery)

Mr. D. Tsogtbaatar, Foreign Minister of Mongolia (8-10 January 2019)

(For Raisina Dialogue)

Dr. Baymbasuren Lamjav, Vice Minister of Health (Sept-Oct 2018)

Mr. D. Sumiyabazar, Minister of Mining (June 2018)

Mr. D. Zagdjav, Deputy Minister of Mining & Heavy Industry (April 2018)

Mr. N. Enkhbold, Minister of Defence (Mar 2018)

Mr.Ts. Batbayar, Vice Minister, Ministry of Environment and Tourism (Mar 2018)

Mr. G. Munkhbayar, Minister of Construction & Urban Development (Dec 2016)

Mr. U. Khurelsukh, Deputy Prime Minister (Nov 2016)

Mr. L. Purevsuren, Foreign Minister (April 2016)

Mr. T. Dulamdorj, Deputy Defence Minister (Dec 2016)

Mr. Ts. Elbegdorj, President (2009)

Mr. N. Enkhbayar, Prime Minister (2004)

Mr. Natsagiin Bagabandi, President (2001)

Mr. Natsagiin Bagabandi, Speaker of Parliament (1996)

Mr. Ochirbat, President (1994)

Mr Bathmunkh, Chairman of the Presidium (Mar 1989)

Mr. U. Tsendenbal, Prime Minister (1973)

Mr U. Tsendenbal, Chairman of the Presidium (1959)

*List of Agreements is at Annexure A

11. Covid Cooperation- Responding to request of the Mongolian government, India became the first country to gift 150,000 doses of ‘Made in India’ Covishield Vaccine by Astra Zeneca in February 2021, a gesture that generated and reinforced tremendous goodwill among Mongolian leadership and public alike and kick-started their vaccination drive with the Prime Minster Oyun Erdene taking the first shot of Made in India vaccine. Later during the second wave of Covid pandemic, Government of Mongolia donated USD 1 million to the Indian Red Cross Society for fight against Covid, while Province of Dornogobi donated MNT 178.5 million (USD 65,000) and a parliamentary campaign initiated by Chairperson of India-Mongolia Friendship Group, collected about MNT 155.5 million and deposited to PM Cares Fund in addition to many individual and private donations that collected about MNT 50 million approx for PM Cares fund.

12. Bilateral Cooperation Mechanism: India and Mongolia have ‘India-Mongolia Joint Committee on Cooperation (IMJCC)’ chaired at Ministerial level. 6^th meeting of IMJCC was held in Ulaanbaatar on 25 April, 2018 under the Chair of Smt Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister of India and Mr. D. Tsogtbaatar, Foreign Minister of Mongolia.

The 5^th meeting of IMJCC was held in New Delhi in April, 2016 under the Chair of MoS(EA) Gen (Retd.) V.K. Singh and Mr. L. Purevsuren, Foreign Minister of Mongolia. Amidst Covid enforced environment, 7^th Joint Commission Meeting was organized in December 2020 virtually which with EAM and the Mongolian Chief Cabinet Secretary (present Prime Minister Oyun Erdene) as Co-Chair. At this IMJCC, the two Ministers virtually released 65^th anniversary commemorative stamp by Mongol Post and EAM virtually handed over 25-volumes of sacred Mongolian Kanjur which was reprinted by Ministry of Culture of India. The next round of the IMJCC is to be held soon.

13. Indo-Mongolian Foreign Office Consultations: Before 2023, the last FOCs were held on 23 December 2016 in Ulaanbaatar. JS (EA) in MEA led the Indian side. The Acting Director, Department of Asia, Africa & Pacific Regions Co-chaired the consultations from the Mongolian side. State Secretary, MFA visited India in the first week of November 2018 to discuss bilateral issues. In Sept 2023, Secretary East, Shri Saurabh Kumar paid an official visit to Mongolia (12-15 Sept 2023) and held bilateral discussions with the State Secretary, MoFA and reviewed progress of the ongoing Developmental Projects of Oil Refinery, ABVCEITO & Friendship School.

On 19 March 2025, Mr. Munkhtushig Lkhanaajav, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia led delegation held talks with Secretary (East), MEA. The Mongolian State Secretary also attended the Raisina Dialogue on 17-18 March 2025 at New Delhi. 2025). It was agreed to raise the level of the consultation to Secretary level. Secretary(East) Shri P. Kumaran visited Mongolia from 21-24 Sept 2025 and held broad discussions with State Secretary, MoFA as well as with Ministers of Education, Industry & Mineral Resources and Secretary, NSC.

14. International Cooperation: Mongolia has been traditionally supporting India in the United Nations and various other international forums. It has supported us for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for 2011-2012. India and Mongolia declared support to each other for UNSC non-permanent seats respectively for terms 2021-22 and 2023-24. Mongolia voted in favour of India’s proposal to Yoga’s inscription into the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. India also voted for registering Mongolian legacy on “Mongolian Traditional Custom to Worship Mountain and Ovoo” in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Mongolia has publicly reiterated its support for India’s membership to the permanent seat of expanded UNSC. Since 2017, Mongolia supported Indian candidates to the:

(i) International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

(ii) Executive Board of UNESCO for the term 2017-2021,

(iii) World Custom Organization (WCO)

(iv) Council of the IMO in Category ‘B’ during 30^th session of the IMO Assembly in 2017,

(v) Advisory Committee Elections for Human Rights Council / 36^th meeting of HRC in Geneva in 2017

(vi) International Court of Justice [For ICJ Mongolia’s support was on reciprocal basis]

(vii) Executive Board of the UNESCO at 39^th General Conference for term 2017-2021

(viii) 3^rd group of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during 40^th Assembly, 2019

(ix) World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for the term 2020-2022

(x) Council of the IMO in Category ‘B’ during 31^st session of IMO Assembly in 2019

(xi) India’s candidature at the World Custom Organization (WCO) – Sep 2019

(xii) Asia Pacific Group seat of the UN Security Council for the term 2021-22

(xiii) Inter-governmental Committee for Safeguard of Intangible Cultural Heritage– Sep 2020

(xiv) UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary (ACABQ) in November 2020

(xv) Re-election of India to the Postal Operation Council (POC) at Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire - Aug 2020

(xvi) Supported BIS for membership of Int’l Organization for Standardization for 2022-24 – Sep 2021

(xvii) Candidature of the CAG as External Auditor of IAEA for term 2022-2027 – Sep 2021

(xviii) Candidature for UNESCO Executive Board membership 2021-2025 – Nov 2021

(xix) Candidature for Secy General for Asian Productivity Organisation in Tokyo – June 2022

(xx) Candidature at Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf 2023-2027 – June 2022

(xxi) Candidature for the President of International Fund for Agri Dev (IFAD) – Jul 2022

(xxii) Supported India’s candidature at UNESCO ICH elections in Paris – July 2022

(xxiii) Candidature for SG of Asian Pacific Postal Union at Bangkok - July 2022

(xxiv) Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 2022-26

(xxv) Re-election to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) -Oct 2022

(xxvi) Re-election to Council of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Region E (Asia and Australasia) for the term 2023-26

(xxvii) Candidature of Dr. V. P Singh, for post of SG of Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU)

(xxviii) Candidature of Ms. Revathi Mannepalli as a Member of Radio Regulations Board (RRB) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for the term 2023-26

(xxx) Candidature of Dr.SK Pattanayak as President, International Fund for Agricultural Development (July 2022)

(xxxi) CAG re-election as External Auditor of WHO for the term 2024-2027 in Geneva – May 2023

(xxxii) Mr. VK Srivastava for Executive Board of TIR Convention for TIR 2023-24 – May 2023

(xxxiii) Candidature of Dr. M Mohapatra re-election to Executive Council, WMO Region II in Geneva - May 2023

(xxxiv) Candidature for the re-election to the membership of the Council of the IMO under Category ‘B’ for the biennium 2024-25.

(xxxv) Candidature in the election of members of WCO Policy Commission and WCO Finance Committee, World Customs Organisation

(xxxvi) Candidature in the election of members of the UN Economic and Social Council for 2026-2028 term.

(xxxvii)Candidature for re-election to Postal Operations Council (POC) and Council of Administration (CA) of the UPU for 2026-2029 term.

15. Defence Cooperation received a massive boost during the visit of Defence Minister of India, Shri Rajnath Singh to Mongolia in Sept 5-7, 2022. Immense display of warmth and hospitality by the Mongolian President and Supreme Commander of MAF, U Khurelsukh, Speaker of the Parliament and his counterpart Defence Minister Gen. Saikhanbayar contributed to reinforcing importance of India as a close strategic partner of Mongolia. During visit, RM announced gifting of 2 ALS Indian made Ambulances and 200 special winter clothing which were delivered by Indian Defence Ministry in July 2023 to Mongolian Armed Forces.

RM also inaugurated Cyber Security Training Centre (CSTC) established through funding by Govt. of India, at the National Defence University of Ministry of Defence of Mongolia during his visit in Sept 2022. Since its inauguration, 2 Indian Army officers are regularly being deployed for capacity building in English language of MAF and cyber security training which has further consolidated defence cooperation with Mongolia.

Immediately following RMs visit, in Oct 2022 Gen. Saikhanbayar, Defence Minister of Mongolia visited India along with 3-member high level delegation to attend DefExpo-2022 in Gandhi Nagar and also had bilateral meeting with RM and paid a courtesy call on the Vice President. Impressed by India’s defence capabilities, Mongolian Defence Minister expressed keen desire to establish a Small Arms Ammunition factory in Mongolia, procuring light armoured vehicles for MAF & sourcing material for MAF uniforms. A 6-member delegation from Mongolian Ministry of Defence visited India in Sept 2023 to discuss the procurement of arms from India. Previously, Mr. N. Enkhbold, the then Minister of Defence visited India in March 2018 and held bilateral talks with RRM, RM, NSA and COAS.

India-Mongolia also held Joint Working Group (JWG) for Defence cooperation discussions and meets annually. The 11^th JWG was held in New Delhi during Feb 10-11 2023 for which Mr Gankhuyag, State Secretary in Mongolian MoD led a 5-member delegation which later, also attended Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru and subsequently visited Troop Comforts Limited(TCL), Kanpur, Gliders India Ltd, Advanced Weapon and Equipment India Ltd, Munition India Ltd to explore possible sourcing of Indian defence equipment to Mongolia while the 10^th JWG was held virtually on 16^th April, 2021 between Ministries of Defence of India and Mongolia at the level of JS (International Cooperation) and State Secretary of Mongolian Ministry of Defence. 12^th JWG was held in Ulaanbaatar on 16-17 May 2024 which was led by Shri Amitabh Prasad, JS(AP), MoD. 13^th JWG was held at New Delhi on 7^th Feb. 2025 which was led by Brig General Gankhuyag Dagvadorj, State secretary, Ministry of Defence of Mongolia along with 3 other officers. The entire delegation also participated in the Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary led a senior officer delegation to Mongolia (13-15 June 2025) and held bilateral talks on several issues of bilateral cooperation in the defence sector.

At military level, joint India-Mongolia exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is held annually. During pandemic impacted period no bilateral exercises could be held). Since 2003, Indian Armed Forces Observers have regularly participated (at Observer level) in the Annual multilateral peace keeping exercise 'Khan Quest' in Mongolia. For the first time ever, participation at Khan Quest was upgraded to contingent level in June 2022, with a 40-member platoon from ‘Ladakh Scouts’ participating in KQ-2022 that included 2 female peacekeepers, who also attended Female Peacekeepers International Conference (FPIC) in Ulaanbaatar. At the Khan Quest 2023, a 40-member contingent from Garhwal Regiment represented in the event (19 June -02 July 2023) whereas a 45-member Indian Army team from J&K Light Infantry participated in the Nomadic Elephant 2023 from 17-20 July 2023. In 2024, from 03-16 July, Mongolian contingent participated in the Nomadic Elephant exercises with Indian Army in Meghalaya whereas a 40-member team from Madras Regiment participated in the Khaan Quest Multilateral Exercises in Mongolia from 24 July – 11 August 2024. Indian contingents from Laddakh Scouts participated in the Nomadic Elephant exercises in Mongolia in May/June 2025. Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the valedictory function and also participated in the opening event of Khaan Quest 2025 in which Indian Army contingent also participated.

16. Border Protection Agency Cooperation: The BSF (MHA) of India and the Mongolian General Authority for Border Protection (GABP) have been closely cooperating on border patrolling and related subjects for over eight years. This cooperation has been formalized in the form of a MoU in May 2015 during PM’s visit. A Joint Steering Committee (JSC) was constituted for furthering this cooperation. The first meeting of the JSC was held on 21-23 Dec 2016 in Ulaanbaatar. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (BM), MHA. A BSF delegation led by DG, BSF visited Mongolia from 28-30 October 2018 to discuss further cooperation. Several proposals on capacity building & technical assistance, including supply of integrated server to GABP by BSF was agreed. In Sept 2021, the renovated Control and Command Centre of GABP was formally inaugurated jointly by Acting Chief of GABP and Ambassador which included USD 1.2 million servers & systems supplied under grant from our MHA. MOS(EA), Dr R R Singh also inspected the upgraded Control and Command Centre during visit to Mongolia in Nov 2021. Establishment of equipment for second phase of up-gradation of GABP Control & Command Centre has been completed and inspected by BSF team on 13 June 2024 and has been formally handed over. In Jan & Feb. 2024, 26 GABP officials were nominated under ITEC for specialized training at NSG, Manesar.

The 10^th DG Level Border Coordination Conference was held in New Delhi from 6-11 Feb. 2025. The Mongolian side was led by Maj. Gen. Lakhagvasuren Kh., Head of GABP & five senior levels officials while the Indian side was led by Shri Daljit Singh Chawdhary, DG BSF.

17. Disaster Management Cooperation between National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) picked up pace in the recent years. In 2018, 25 officers of NEMA were trained in India under ITEC. During the visit of President of Mongolia to India in September, 2019, an MoU on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction was signed between NEMA of Mongolia and NDMA of India. Despite Covid pandemic, NEMA of Mongolia had forwarded an Action Plan to NDMA in March 2021 which was expected to be implemented during 2023-2024 depending upon mutually convenient dates. India donated US$20,000/- to NEMA on 19 March 2024 to support relief measures for Dzud (winter storms) which severely affected Mongolia during its winter season (Nov. 2023-March 2024)

18. Commercial, Economic and Technical Cooperation: The foundation for economic partnership with democratic Mongolia was laid during the visit of then Minister for Commerce Shri Pranab Mukherjee in 1994, 2 MoUs pertaining to the establishment of a Joint Trade Sub-Committee and Co-operation between the Planning Commission of India and the National Development Board of Mongolia were signed. An agreement for co-operation in the field of Geology and Mineral Resources was signed in September 1996. In 1996, an Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between India and Mongolia was signed. The Agreement provides for MFN status to each other in respect of customs duties and all other taxes on imports and exports. During the visit of President Bagabandiin in 2001, both sides signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement which is currently under review. Given geographical transportation challenges, our bilateral trade is modest in value & volumes. Main items of exports to Mongolia include sugar, medicines, mining machinery, mechanical & auto parts, steel pipes / tubes etc. Imports from Mongolia include raw cashmere wool, leather etc.

19. Since last many years, the Mission has focused on harmonizing 3 Ts – Trade, Tourism and Technology - recommended by the Ministry while attempting to expand & enhance our bilateral trade and economic cooperation with Mongolia. A dedicated Business meet titled ‘Expanding 3T horizons with Mongolia’ was organized by the Mission in March 2022 in association with Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and 3 Chambers of Commerce from India with attracted participation from 250 businessmen and entities. Towards expansion of bilateral trade in non-mining sectors with Mongolia, several focused and concerted efforts have been made by the mission to increase the contents of 3Ts. To take advantage of the spin off benefits generated by India’s single largest project of assistance for construction of USD 1.7 billion Oil Refinery in Mongolia, in May 2019, the first ever India-Mongolia Oil and Gas Exhibition was jointly organized by the Embassy of India, Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, Mongol Refinery and Engineers India Ltd in which 32 reputed Indian companies, including TATA Projects, ASCONS, IGSEC and 3 Mongolian companies showcased their products and services. The Mission also arranged the first India Education Fair in August, 2019 in which 5 Indian Universities participated to highlight opportunities for international standard education in 900+ universities in India at highly economical cost. In November, 2019, to highlight economic collaboration in MSME sector, for the first time ever, 40 Indian MSME companies led by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the ‘Misheel Expo’ in Mongolia. The second edition of Oil and Gas Exhibition in Sept/Oct 2022 coinciding with Mining Expo, however, could not be held due to Covid pandemic. In Jan 2020, as a part of 65^th anniversary celebrations of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations, the Mission along with MNCCI also arranged a day-long business event titled “India: Land of Business Opportunities” highlighting Make in India, Skill India, Digital India and other areas of core competence. Despite Covid, 9 of the 25 planned activities were celebrated physically including a Gala concert on Jan 26, 2021, pan-Mongolia painting competition in Feb which attracted unprecedented 976 entries from school children on the theme India-Mongolia: Past, Present and Future under overarching theme of “Shared Heritage, Strategic Partnership and Promising Future”, establishment of India-Mongolia Friendship Park in July 2020, Minting of Gold/Silver coins on Mahatma Gandhi by Mongol Bank in October 2020, Release of 65^th anniversary commemorative stamp by Mongol Post & an Exhibition on bilateral ancient relationship in Dec 2020. In November 2022, in association with ITPO & Ministry of AYUSH, the mission organized an SME focused ‘India Pavilion’ at the International Distributors Mongolia Expo in Misheel in which 14 Indian companies participated. A 14-member team led by Economic Advisor, Ministry of Mines and consisted of members from Geological Survey of India, HCL, NMDC, MECL and NALCO participated in the 12^th International Mining and Oil Expo (MINEX-2023) which was held from 3-5 October 2023.

20. In 2024, Mission undertook several initiatives in promotion of bilateral trade by organizing many virtual and physical meetings for senior level delegates from Ministry of Coal, Steel and Mines of India. Several PSU (SAIL, NMDC, MOIL) and Private Steel companies (JSW, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel) also visited to explore the possibility of importing Coking Coal from Mongolia. Senior official level delegation from Ministry of Steel and Mines of India participated in the MINEX 2024 in October 2024. Coal India delegation participated separately in the Mongolia Mining Week 2024 in October 2024. Mission also organized meetings with various business associations and Chambers of Commerce of India in the pharmaceutical sector in collaboration with European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) and Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). Mission also initiated talks between Mongolian companies and IREL India in June 2025.

21. Given the small size of Mongolian population, Mongolia does not have as much of a leisure tourism potential. However, there is potential for ‘Spiritual Tourism’ as well as ‘Medical Tourism’ – both of which have been prioritized by the Mission as focus areas. In 2020, despite Covid pandemic, India-Mongolia Health Cooperation Centre (private institution) was established to attract Mongolians for various treatments in India of liver, Ophthalmological treatment, cancer and heart ailments. A tele-medicine centre was established in Intermed Hospital where Apollo Hospital is offering online consultation followed by treatment in India, if needed. In the last 2 years, Indian super specialty hospitals like Fortis & Artemis have also engaged resident representatives in Ulaanbaatar to boost medial tourism to India. The number of ‘Medical Visas’ issued by the Mission has remained signification. In 2023, 378 ‘Medical Visas’ were issued whereas in 2024, 2025 & 2026 (till 31^st March, 2026), 334, 220 and 49 ‘Medical Visas’ were issued.

22. Like other developing economies of the world, Mongolia too has placed great importance to promote Digital and E-Governance concepts. To make this transition, GoM had cooperation with China, Korea, Japan in the region. The biggest push in this direction was the construction of Atal Bihari Centre of Excellence in IT, CT & Outsourcing, through a Line of Credit of US$20 Million, which started in Aug 2021 and expected to be completed by end of 2026. Upon completion, this Centre would boost Indian IT Technology sector in Mongolia by providing local training in 16 specialized tailor made IT courses to over 1000 IT professionals in Mongolia besides generating about 850+ outsourcing jobs. In July 2022, the Mission made a formal offer on behalf of CSIR for technology transfer, Covid combat and management protocol, immunity booster medicines developed in India and digital platform for management with Mongolian Ministry of Health to promote ‘Made in India’ technologies. The Mission is also pursuing an MoU with Mongolian Ministry of Health on the recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia Standards.

23. Though bilateral trade has registered steady increase over the last few years, yet it is not commensurate with our excellent relationship and goodwill for India. Figures gathered from National Statistical Office(NSO) of Mongolia are listed below:

24. ITEC Assistance: Since 2011-12, the number of ITEC slots for civilian training programme were increased to 150 per year and during visit of Hon. PM in May 2015, a further increase of 50 slots took ITEC scholarships for Mongolia to 200. Though the slots were reduced by 50 in 2017, effective FY 2019-20, 200 slots were approved including 40 slots for group training of Mongolian professionals/engineers/technicians for the Mongol Refinery being constructed under Indian LoC of USD 1.7 billion. Since resumption of physical ITEC courses in post Covid pandemic period from July 2022, 149 lots were utilized for 2022-2023. In FY 2023-24, 85 ITEC slots were used. Prominent special capacity building programmes that have been organized for Mongolian dignitaries & high government officials in recent years include

1. 20 officials of NEMA in Nov 2017-Feb 2018

2. 13 State Secretaries at IIPA New Delhi in March 2018

3. 25 Mongolian Diplomats attended a tailor made course at FSI, New Delhi Oct 2019

4. 18 Provincial Governors and 7 high officials led by the then Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr Oyun Erdene (later on he became PM) attended a special course in Public Governance at IIM, Indore in Jan 2020.

5. 20 Engineers/Technicians of Mongol Refinery for special group course in Refinery Operations and Maintenance completed in Feb 2020

6. 30 Mongolian Rural Women attended Solar Energy course at NISE Nov 2022

7. 14 MFA Diplomats for special course at SSIFS, New Delhi in Oct-Nov 2023

8. 30 senior level officials (JS & Director) from Cabinet Secretariat, MoFA and nominated from other Ministries by Govt. of Mongolia (Feb. 2025)

9. 30 Engineers and Technicians from Mongol Refinery for special training by Engineers India Ltd (Feb 2025)

10. 30 senior members of the level of Director General / Director from various Mongolian Ministries nominated by Cabinet Secretariat.

11. 15 officials of Ministry Digital Development from 25.02.2026 – 10.03.2026

12. 29 officials of University of Internal Affairs from 02.03.2026 – 13.03.2026

13. 31 officials of Mongolian Refinery from 24.03.2026 – 14.04.2026