Context:
Recently, the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on May 16-17, 2024.
More on news
- Both countries exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation in (JWG) meeting.
- The Joint Secretary highlighted the potential of the capacity & capability of the Indian defence industry and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Mongolia.
- The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mongolia.
India-Mongolia relations
- For most Mongolians, India is a “spiritual neighbour”, a declared ‘third neighbour’, a ‘strategic partner’ and a center for pilgrimage.
- The 3 Ds Democracy, Dharma and Development Partnership have emerged as the pillars of the India-Mongolia relationship.
- The values of democracy, freedom, and market economy further strengthen their bond in modern times.
Diplomatic relations
- India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in December 1955 and in January 1956, we had the first Mongolian Ambassador in New Delhi.
- The Indian resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar (the Capital of Mongolia) was opened in February 1971.
- In 1994, both nations signed the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation, further solidifying their relationship.
- In 2015, the ties were upgraded to a strategic partnership, with defence being an essential element of bilateral engagement.
Energy cooperation
- India-funded greenfield oil refinery project in South Gobi desert aims to reduce Mongolia’s reliance on Russian oil imports. It will be operational by 2026.
- These refineries are often constructed from scratch on previously undeveloped land, thus they are termed “Greenfield”.
- The proposed refinery is funded by India’s Exim Bank.
- Central Electronics Ltd. Of India carried out the first solar energy electrification project in Mongolia, which was formally opened in April 2006 in Dadal Soum.
Defence cooperation
- India-Mongolia jointly conducts the ‘Nomadic Elephant’ exercise annually. It was first held in 2004.
- Indian Armed Forces Observers regularly participate in the Annual multilateral peacekeeping exercise ‘Khan Quest’ held in Mongolia.
Also Read:
Life Expectancy Bounces Back: Global Numbers Recover from Pandemic Dip