Your Excellency President Khurelsukh,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media

Namaskar!

Sain bain uu

It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Khurelsukh and his delegation to India.

The President of Mongolia is visiting India after six years, making this a very special occasion. This visit comes as India and Mongolia celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties and 10 years of Strategic Partnership. To mark this, we have released a Joint Postal Stamp, highlighting our shared heritage, diversity, and strong civilizational bonds

Friends,

Today, our meeting began with a tree-planting ceremony under the "EK Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. President Khurelsukh planted a banyan tree in honor of his late mother, which will stand as a symbol of our deep friendship and our shared commitment to the environment, for generations to come.

Friends,

Ten years ago, during my visit to Mongolia, we elevated our partnership to a Strategic Partnership. Over the past decade, this partnership has grown stronger and deeper across every dimension.

Our defence and security cooperation is also steadily strengthening. We have launched several new initiatives, from training programs to the appointment of a Defense Attaché at the Embassy. India will also launch a new capacity-building program for Mongolia's border security forces.

Friends,

Our approach to global issues is based on our shared values. We stand as close partners in international forums, supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Together, we also work to amplify the voice of the Global South.

Friends,

The relationship between India and Mongolia is more than just a diplomatic relationship. It is a deep, soulful, and spiritual bond. The depth and scope of our partnership is reflected in our people-to-people ties.

Both our countries share the age-old bond of Buddhism, which is why we are also called spiritual siblings. Today, we made several important decisions to further strengthen this tradition and our historic ties. I am happy to announce that next year, the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha - Sariputra and Maudgalyayana – will be sent from India to Mongolia.

We will also send a Sanskrit teacher to Gandan Monastery to support in-depth study of Buddhist texts and continue the ancient tradition of knowledge. We have decided to soon launch a project to digitize one million ancient manuscripts. Nalanda University has played a vital role in Buddhism in Mongolia, and today we have agreed to strengthen this historic connection by linking Nalanda with Gandan Monastery.

Our relationship goes beyond the Central Governments. The MoU signed today between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province will give a fresh boost to our cultural ties.

Friends,

Even though we do not share a border, India has always considered Mongolia a close neighbour. We will continue to strengthen people-to-people ties. We have decided to provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens. And we will sponsor the annual visit of young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India.

Friends,

India has been a strong and reliable partner in Mongolia’s development.

The Oil Refinery Project, supported by India’s $1.7 billion line of credit, will strengthen Mongolia’s energy security. It is India’s largest development partnership project globally, with over 2,500 Indian professionals working alongside their Mongolian counterparts to make it a reality.

We have also strengthened our cooperation in skill development. Through the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India-Mongolia Friendship School, the aspirations of Mongolia’s youth are reaching new heights. These projects are a testament to the depth of our friendship.

Today, we are also announcing several projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people. We will continue these efforts, keeping the needs of the people of Mongolia at the forefront.

I am happy that our private sector is also exploring new possibilities of cooperation in areas such as energy, critical minerals, rare-earths, digital, mining, agriculture, dairy, and cooperatives.

Excellency,

Our relations are built on a solid foundation of trust and friendship between two ancient civilizations. They are nurtured by a shared cultural heritage, democratic values, and a shared commitment to development. I am confident that together we will take this strategic partnership to new heights.

Once again, I thank you for this historic visit and for your unwavering friendship and commitment to India.

Bayarla

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's statement. Original statement was delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/VJ