September 5, 2022
2 mins read

India seeks deeper foothold in Mongolia during Rajnath’s visit

The defence minister will ride on two critical initiatives taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country in 2015….reports Asian Lie News

India is seeking a deeper foothold in Mongolia with defence minister Rajnath Singh’s two-day visit to Mongolia on Monday.

Singh’s visit is part of India’s broader,  East Asia strategy. With Mongolia sharing borders with Russia and China, India is looking for a firmer connect with Ulaanbaatar,  as a third major player. Japan is also keen to forge better ties with Mongolia

The defence minister will ride on two critical initiatives taken after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country in 2015.

Following PM Modi’s visit, India has emerged as a critical player for providing energy security to Mongolia. India has provided  $1.2 billion credit to Mongolia, which is being used to build a large oil refinery. The refinery in Dornogobi province will cover 75 per cent of the country’s energy requirements once it is commissioned in 2025.

“The refinery will address 75 % of Mongolia’s requirements. The country sources its fossil fuel from its biggest neighbour and traditional ally, Russia. India is also assisting Mongolia to build its railway and power infrastructure to help transport Mongolia’s mineral wealth,” Mongolian news website, news.mn reported in early April.

India is also setting up a cyber security centre in Mongolia, which Singh will inaugurate during his visit.

India-Mongolia ties are based on a strong cultural foundation as both countries are leveraging their shared heritage of Buddhism.

In June a 25-member delegation led by Law minister Kiren Rijiju visited Ulaanbaatar with the ceremonial casket of Buddhist holy relics. The visit was timed with Mongolian Buddh Purnima celebrations held on June 14.

The holy Buddha relics, which were housed in New Delhi’s National Museum, are known as the ‘Kapilvastu Relics’ since they are from a site in Bihar first discovered in 1898 which is believed to be the ancient city of Kapilvastu.

Flown to the Mongolian capital in a special Indian Air Force C-17 Globe Master, the relics were accorded the status of a State Guest.  The two relics were housed in bullet-proof casings.

A government press statement said that the defence minister will hold talks with Mongolia’s Minister of Defence, Lt Gen. Saikhanbayar. He shall call on the President of Mongolia,  U. Khurelsukh and Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia, . G Zandanshatar.  “The two democracies have a common interest in fostering peace and prosperity in the entire region,” the statement said.

(India Narrative)

ALSO READ: Indian Army Chief in Kathmandu

Previous Story

Tharoor lauds Rahul’s speech

Next Story

Lanka’s audit report seeks action against officials, Chinese firm

Latest from India News

India to Join G20 Energy Talks in South Africa

The meeting is being hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency in the country’s KwaZulu Natal province…reports Asian Lite News Union Power Minister Manohar Lal will represent India at the G20 Energy Transitions

India Reminds World of Pakistan’s 1971 Crimes

The reminder of Pakistan’s atrocities in Bangladesh came as the Dakha regime led by Mohammad Yunus responded to Islamabad’s overtures….reports Asian Lite News India has reminded the world of Pakistan’s campaign of

India-EU Trade Talks Resume

The proposed India-EU FTA covers 23 policy areas, or chapters, of which at least two – market access and rules of origin – have yet to be resolved….reports Asian Lite News India
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India Pavilion celebrates 100 glorious days

India Pavilion also marked the country’s vaccination drive crossing the

India imposes new export duty on onions

The UAE is among the biggest markets for Indian onions