External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday, 22 June called on Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in Ulaanbaatar, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of an official visit aimed at deepening the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership. The high-level engagement covered cooperation across development projects, energy, mining, culture, and multilateral diplomacy.

Presidential Meeting and Strategic Momentum

During the call on President Ukhnaa, Jaishankar acknowledged that the Mongolian President's state visit to India last year had imparted strong momentum to bilateral ties. '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 said in a post on X. The two countries jointly marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership last year, opening new avenues for collaboration.

Bilateral Talks with Mongolian Foreign Minister

Jaishankar also held a comprehensive meeting with his Mongolian counterpart, Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, reviewing progress across key areas including development projects, capacity building, security, education, and multilateral forums. Discussions also touched on emerging 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 after the meeting.

Batmunkh highlighted the significance of the oil refinery project — described as a symbol of Mongolia-India cooperation — and expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people. Both sides also agreed to develop transport and logistics links and expand air connectivity, with Batmunkh expressing confidence that a direct flight on the Ulaanbaatar-Delhi route would boost tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and business cooperation.

Cultural and Spiritual Dimension

Reflecting the deep civilisational ties between the two nations, Jaishankar also met His Eminence Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj, the Chief Abbot of Gandan Monastery in Mongolia. 'His blessings for deepening our cultural ties and people-to-people goodwill are deeply cherished,' the Minister noted. This visit comes weeks after an Indian delegation led by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Saxena brought back the holy relics of Lord Buddha's two chief disciples — Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Maudgalyayana — from Ulaanbaatar, where they had been on public display at Gandan Monastery from 31 May to 9 June.

What Comes Next

Both sides expressed commitment to converting the agreements reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions. Batmunkh noted that the visit holds 'significant importance in turning the agreements between the heads of state of the two countries into concrete actions and elevating the Strategic Partnership relations to a new level.' The two nations also reaffirmed their intent to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international organisations in support of peace and sustainable development. India's engagement with Mongolia — framed through the lens of a 'third neighbour' and 'spiritual partner' — signals a steady deepening of New Delhi's outreach to landlocked nations in its extended neighbourhood.