Jaishankar holds wide-ranging interactions as India-Mongolia reaffirm strengthening ties
Ulaanbaatar, June 23
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held a series of high-level interactions aimed at further expanding bilateral cooperation between India and Mongolia during his ongoing official visit.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he met the Speaker of the State Great Khural, Sandag Byambatsogt, and welcomed his support for India-Mongolia parliamentary exchanges and friendship.
"A pleasure to meet Speaker of the State Great Khural Sandag Byambatsogt @BYAMBATSOGT_S today. Welcome his strong support for India - Mongolia parliamentary exchanges and friendship. Reiterated support to deepening our people - centric development partnership," he wrote in a post on X.
The EAM also interacted with Mongolia's Education Minister L Enkh-Amgalan and former President N Enkhbayar, describing the engagements as important for strengthening bilateral ties.
"Value their support for deepening our Strategic Partnership," EAM said on X.
Jaishankar arrived in Mongolia on Monday as part of a four-day diplomatic tour covering Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural engagement with the region.
Upon his arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Jaishankar called on Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa. During the meeting, the EAM conveyed official greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reflecting on the momentum established during President Ukhnaa's visit to India last year, Jaishankar noted that the two leaders shared a common vision for the future of the partnership.
"Value his guidance on advancing our strong cooperation in a wide range of sectors. Fully agree with him that the greatest friendship is spiritual friendship," Jaishankar stated in a post on X.
Beyond the historical and spiritual bonds, Jaishankar held comprehensive bilateral talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Battsetseg Batmunkh. The discussions focused on transforming these cordial ties into tangible economic outcomes. Key areas identified for enhanced cooperation include a review of ongoing bilateral development projects, new opportunities in the mining sector, potential collaborations in clean energy and agricultural processing and sustained cooperation in education, security, and multilateral forums.
"Delighted to meet FM Battsetseg Batmunkh in Ulaanbaatar. Our discussions reflected the warmth, strength and promise of our Strategic Partnership. Reviewed the progress in our cooperation in development projects, capacity building, culture, education, security and multilateral fora. Also spoke about opportunities in mining, clean energy and agri processing. As a third neighbour and a spiritual partner, India stands ready to advance its close and cordial ties with Mongolia," Jaishankar posted on X.
As part of his engagements, Jaishankar also visited the Gandan Monastery, where he met Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj, the Chief Abbot. He highlighted the monastery's role in promoting cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
"Glad to meet His Eminence Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj, Chief Abbot of Gandan Monastery, Mongolia. His blessings for deepening our cultural ties and people-to-people goodwill are deeply cherished," said Jaishankar.
Jaishankar arrived in Mongolia on Monday for a state visit from June 22 to 23. On arrival, he was welcomed by the State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav.
Jaishankar's visit to Mongolia is part of a broader four-day tour that also includes South Korea. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he will hold meetings with the leadership of both countries and discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The External Affairs Minister has embarked on a four-day visit to Mongolia and the Republic of Korea on Monday.
According to an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar will be meeting with the Mongolian and Korean leaderships and holding discussions with his counterparts during his official visit from June 22 to 25.
India and Mongolia have long described their relationship through the lenses of being "Strategic Partners," "Spiritual Neighbours," and "Third Neighbours." Jaishankar's visit underscores India's commitment to this framework, emphasising that the relationship is built on a foundation of mutual trust and a shared desire for regional stability and economic integration.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally some real substance! Mining, clean energy, agriculture - these are the practical areas where we need to partner. Mongolia has huge mineral wealth and we have the expertise. Hope this goes beyond just photo ops and speeches. 🤞
The spiritual friendship angle is beautiful - Buddhism connects us across thousands of years. But let's be honest, we need more tangible outcomes. Every minister meets and says "strong ties." What's the actual FDI figure or trade number? Show us the results, not just the rhetoric.
Visited Gandan Monastery last year - the Tibetan Buddhist connection is real and deep. Our monks and scholars have centuries-old links. EAM visiting the monastery shows we respect that heritage. This is smart diplomacy combining soft power with hard interests. 🙏
Good that Jaishankar is doing these visits but honestly, Mongolia is landlocked between Russia and China. How much can we really deliver economically? Let's focus on areas where we have actual leverage - education scholarships, IT training, defence cooperation. Those yield better returns per rupee invested.
Love how our foreign policy is balancing between major powers while building genuine friendships. Mongolia sees us as a "third neighbour" - that's trust. And with South Korea next, this tour covers two key Asian partners. Strategic thinking at work! 🇮🇳🌟
S < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.