PM Modi meets Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa at Hyderabad House on Tuesday during the latter’s four-day state visit to India from October 13 to 16, 2025. This is President Ukhnaa’s first official visit to India since assuming office on June 25, 2021.

The leaders exchanged warm greetings and jointly planted a sapling, symbolizing the deepening friendship between the two countries. Earlier, President Ukhnaa paid homage at Rajghat, laying a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial and signing the visitor’s book. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation including cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, business leaders, and cultural representatives.

Prime Minister Modi, recalling his own visit to Mongolia in May 2015, when he became the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, said at a joint press conference, “The relationship between India and Mongolia is not just diplomatic. It has spiritual bonding. For centuries, both countries have been bound by the tenets of Buddhism, which is why we are also called spiritual siblings.” He added, “India has been a steadfast and reliable partner in Mongolia's development. The oil refinery project, being built with India’s USD 1.7 billion Line of Credit, will provide new strength to Mongolia's energy security.”

President Ukhnaa expressed gratitude, saying, “India is a trusted friend of Mongolia. Our cooperation in energy, infrastructure, defense, education, and healthcare reflects a partnership that benefits our citizens and strengthens regional stability.” He emphasized that Mongolia seeks sustainable growth, economic diversification, and strengthened bilateral ties while balancing its relationships with its immediate neighbors, China and Russia.

Situated between Russia and China, Mongolia has pursued the “Third Neighbor Policy”, building relations with countries like India, Japan, the United States, and the European Union to reduce overdependence on its large neighbors. President Khurelsukh’s government is prioritizing energy security, domestic infrastructure, responsible mineral resource development, and renewable energy. Projects include the Mongol Refinery in Dornogovi, uranium mining initiatives, and the management of revenues through the Chinggis Khaan Sovereign Wealth Fund established in 2024 with over USD 1.4 billion in assets.

India and Mongolia have also expanded cooperation in defense, cyber security, education, information technology, mining, health, and culture. Both leaders noted the importance of capacity-building initiatives, technology transfer, and joint efforts in clean energy and climate resilience projects, such as Mongolia’s “Eternal Mongolia” program.

This visit comes amid a surge of international diplomatic activity in New Delhi, with leaders from Australia, Canada, Afghanistan, and other nations visiting India in recent weeks. The series of high-level engagements adds to the festive atmosphere in the capital, almost like a pre-Diwali celebration of India’s growing global ties, showcasing the country’s expanding influence and engagement with both major and emerging nations.

The discussions between Modi and Ukhnaa highlighted not just strategic alignment but also shared economic ambitions. Mongolia seeks investment and development partnerships that will strengthen its energy independence, improve infrastructure, support sustainable industrial growth, and ultimately benefit the people of the country. For India, this relationship represents an opportunity to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific region while supporting a friendly neighbor in achieving balanced development.

The visit marks a milestone in India-Mongolia ties, reinforcing a partnership that is both strategic and people-centered, blending cultural heritage, development cooperation, and forward-looking economic collaboration.