Italian media: Mongolia and India strengthen cooperation, involving coal and rare earth exports

President U. Khurelsukh of Mongolia's visit to New Delhi marks a new development in the strategic partnership between India and Mongolia. Indian Prime Minister Modi announced a training program for Mongolia's border forces, free e-visas, and deepened cultural exchanges based on Buddhism.

New Delhi (Asia News) – During the visit of the President of Mongolia, U. Khurelsukh, to India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of specific commitments in the fields of defense, energy, culture, and border security.

President U. Khurelsukh of Mongolia made his first visit to India in six years, celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

At a joint press conference, Modi announced the launch of a new training and development program for Mongolia's border security forces, part of India's broader commitment to support Mongolia's defense capabilities. At the same time, New Delhi will appoint a military attaché at its embassy in Ulaanbaatar, confirming the renewed development of the bilateral strategic relationship. The annual joint exercise named "Nomadic Elephant" was held in June.

"Our approach to handling global issues is based on shared values. We are close partners on international forums, supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region. We also work together to expand the voices of the Global South," said the Indian Prime Minister.

Modi also announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and funded an annual exchange program for youth cultural ambassadors. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bayan-Ölgii Province of Mongolia to promote joint projects in education and tourism.

Despite Modi's political base rooted in Hindu nationalism (an extremist ideology that advocates Hindu supremacy), he still highly praised the friendly relationship between the two countries based on Buddhism and emphasized that the relationship between India and Mongolia is "deep and both spiritually and strategically significant."

"Our two countries share the ancient bond of Buddhism, so we are also called spiritual brothers. Today, we have made several important decisions to further strengthen this tradition and our historical ties," continued the Indian Prime Minister, announcing the transfer of relics of the Buddha's disciples and new academic cooperation between Nalanda University and Gandantegchinlin Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. Currently, more than 400 Mongolian monks are studying in Indian monasteries.

The two countries also jointly issued stamps featuring the Indian drama "Ramlila" (a theatrical performance depicting the epic of the Hindu deity Rama) and the Mongolian folk dance "Byelge."

In the fields of economy and infrastructure, the leaders reiterated the central role of the Mongolian oil refinery project. This project, supported by a $1.7 billion credit line from the Indian government, aims to reduce Ulaanbaatar's dependence on Moscow for energy and ensure a safer energy supply for Mongolia. The refinery is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027, meeting up to 60% of Mongolia's domestic energy needs.

According to official sources, India is preparing to expand its support in the areas of renewable energy, mineral resources, digitalization, and sustainable agriculture, and is currently negotiating agreements to export high-quality coking coal and rare earth elements from the Tavan Tolgoi coal mine in Mongolia to Indian industries.

Prime Minister Modi continued, "India and Mongolia share common values, namely democracy, peace, and development. We will continue to work together to maintain stability in Asia and the world." President Khurelsukh thanked Modi for "the friendship shown in various areas, from energy assistance to education, and opening the doors of India to Mongolian citizens through the new free visa policy."

India and Mongolia have common interests in diversifying their alliance (Ulaanbaatar calls it the 'Third Neighbour' policy, while Delhi calls it the 'Act East' initiative) to establish a multipolar balance in Eurasia and reduce dependence on Russia and China. In particular, trade between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing reaches $19 billion annually, while trade between India and Mongolia remains at $110 million.

Sources: Asia News

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846067147719945/

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