Updated on: Oct 14, 2025 | 9:13 PM IST
New Delhi: In a landmark visit marking the first trip by a Mongolian president to India in six years, Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss deepening bilateral ties across strategic sectors, including uranium supply, oil refining, and defence cooperation. The discussions underscored the two countries’ commitment to strengthening economic, energy, and security partnerships, with India assuring Mongolia of its role as a “strong and reliable partner” in the country’s development.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
President Khurelsukh arrived in New Delhi on Monday with the aim of enhancing cooperation in key areas and exploring new opportunities for trade, investment, and defence collaboration. During his meetings with Prime Minister Modi, both leaders highlighted the steady growth of India-Mongolia ties since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership a decade ago.
“Even though we do not share a border, India has always considered Mongolia a close neighbour,” Modi said. Speaking at a joint media briefing, he added, “India has been a strong and reliable partner in Mongolia’s development. We stand as close partners… supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Together, we work to amplify the voice of the Global South.”
President Khurelsukh emphasised the importance of exploring new transport and logistics gateways to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Uranium and Mineral Resources
One of the key focus areas discussed during the summit was Mongolia’s mineral wealth, particularly uranium. India expressed interest in sourcing uranium and other minerals such as copper, gold, and zinc from Mongolia. Mongolia is home to an estimated 90,000 tonnes of uranium reserves, and the country had earlier signed an agreement with France in January to extract 2,500 tonnes annually.
“We have offered our interest in partnering with Mongolia for uranium. We will be taking up the dialogue in the coming months,” P. Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry, said during a media briefing. Uranium supply discussions are part of India’s broader strategy to secure critical resources and strengthen its energy and technological capabilities.
The Mongol Refinery Project
Another major highlight of the visit was the Mongol Refinery project, Mongolia’s first oil refinery, being constructed with a $1.7-billion line of credit from India. The project, expected to be operational by 2028, will process 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil annually, or approximately 30,000 barrels per day.
Prime Minister Modi described the refinery as India’s largest development partnership project globally, with over 2,500 Indian professionals working alongside Mongolian counterparts to bring it to fruition. “This refinery will significantly strengthen Mongolia’s energy security and represents a flagship symbol of cooperation,” he said.
President Khurelsukh echoed Modi’s sentiment, noting that the refinery is of strategic importance in enhancing Mongolia’s economic security and energy independence. Kumaran added, “It is coming up very well; almost all the civil work is over. The refinery equipment is being manufactured in India and will be shipped to Mongolia.”
Defence and Security Cooperation
Both sides also unveiled a series of initiatives to expand defence and security collaboration. India will post a resident defence attaché in Ulaanbaatar, increase joint military training programmes, and participate in additional exercises such as Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest. A new capacity-building programme for Mongolia’s border security forces is also in the works.
President Khurelsukh met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss ways to enhance security cooperation further. The Mongolian side expressed interest in collaborating with India on the use of drones, cyber-security training, and other advanced defence technologies.
“They see a lot of benefit in training with us. They would like us to continue with existing programmes and also offer more support in terms of training,” Kumaran said. He added that India has set up a cyber-security training centre for Mongolia’s armed forces and provides various types of equipment under grant assistance.
Ten New Agreements Signed
In addition to discussions on defence, energy, and minerals, the leaders finalised ten memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering a wide array of areas:
- Immigration cooperation
- Digital solutions
- Humanitarian aid
- Geology and mineral resources
- Quick impact projects
- Cultural exchanges
- Promotion of cooperatives
- Renovation of the Bogd Khan Winter Palace
- Cooperation between India’s Ladakh region and Mongolia’s Arkhangai province
- Collaboration on heritage and tourism projects
The agreements aim to deepen collaboration across economic, cultural, and humanitarian sectors, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the India-Mongolia partnership.
Cultural and Tourism Initiatives
The two sides also announced several cultural initiatives. India will send relics of two disciples of Lord Buddha to Mongolia in 2026, reflecting the shared Buddhist heritage of the two nations. Mongolian nationals will also receive free e-visas to visit India.
President Khurelsukh further shared that a Mongolian carrier plans to launch charter flights to New Delhi and Amritsar later this year to boost tourism, strengthen people-to-people ties, and facilitate business exchanges between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
The India-Mongolia meeting reaffirmed the strategic importance of bilateral ties, with a clear focus on energy, defence, trade, and cultural cooperation. From uranium sourcing and the construction of a mega refinery to strengthening defence collaboration and promoting heritage tourism, both nations have signalled a new chapter of partnership.
Prime Minister Modi and President Khurelsukh’s discussions have set the stage for continued collaboration in critical areas, reflecting shared priorities and a commitment to mutual development. With projects like the Mongol Refinery, advanced defence training, and cultural exchange initiatives, India and Mongolia are charting a course for a more integrated, strategic, and long-term partnership.
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