Did MEA Secretary Review the Oil Refinery Project in Mongolia?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian Government invests US$1.7 billion in Mongolian oil refinery.
- Significant engagement between Indian and Mongolian officials.
- Tree plantation ceremony highlights environmental commitment.
- Project aims to enhance energy security in Mongolia.
- Strong India-Mongolia friendship emphasized by both sides.
Ulaanbaatar, Sep 24 (NationPress) P Kumaran, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), visited the oil refinery project at Altanshiree, Dornogovi Province in Mongolia, which is being developed with a US$1.7 billion soft Line of Credit (LoC) from the Indian government.
As reported by the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, he was joined by the Indian Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, during this significant visit.
Kumaran presided over a review meeting concerning the project's advancement and engaged with the Indian workforce on-site, commending their dedication and effort.
Notable attendees included Altansetseg, Executive Director of Mongol Refinery, senior management from Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, and Engineers India. A tree plantation ceremony was also held during this visit.
Later that day, Kumaran met with A Byambajargal, Secretary of the National Security Council of Mongolia, where they discussed various avenues for mutual cooperation. Ambassador Gotsurve and senior diplomats from both India and Mongolia were present.
Last month, Ambassador Gotsurve accompanied Damdinnyam Gongor, the Mongolian Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, to the project site for a progress review.
The Mongolian Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of India for their support through the soft loan of US$1.7 billion, acknowledging the project's progress and promising all necessary support for its timely completion.
Kumaran also interacted with the Indian workforce, which currently comprises 2700 workers from Engineers India Limited and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd, and conveyed his appreciation for their hard work, as mentioned by the Indian Embassy.
The Executive Director of Mongol Refinery presented a comprehensive report on the project. Furthermore, the Indian Ambassador emphasized that the project symbolizes the strong India-Mongolia Friendship.
In May, a high-ranking Indian government delegation, led by Anurag Agarwal, Special Secretary and Financial Advisor of the MEA, along with other senior officials from the MEA, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visited Mongolia to assess the construction progress of the oil refinery project in Dornogovi Province.
This project represents the Indian government's largest soft Line of Credit initiative globally. The visit from the Indian delegation highlighted New Delhi's commitment to ensuring the successful completion of this vital oil refinery project.