The "Third Neighbour" of the Mongolian Gobi Grasslands: Mongol Press: The relationship between Mongolia and India has expanded from a spiritual neighbour to a third neighbour and strategic partner
Mongol Press, Ulaanbaatar, 22 September, In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India, the Institute of International Issues of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the Indian Embassy in Mongolia jointly held an academic seminar on 19 September at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia with the theme "Spiritual Partner and Strategic Partner: 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Mongolia and India."
Researcher E. Munkhchuluu of the Institute of International Issues of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, while delivering a speech at the seminar, pointed out that "Although Mongolia and India are geographically far apart, there is a long history of connections between the two countries. Therefore, the two countries formally established diplomatic relations on 24 December 1955 based on mutual agreement, and set up embassies in each other's countries, which became an important step in promoting the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. For example, the Chairman of the State Great Khural of the Mongolian People's Republic, Y. Zedev, visited India in 1959, which was the first visit by the head of state of the country to India. In the early days of establishing diplomatic relations, the relationship between the two countries mainly flourished in the fields of art, culture and education. However, as Mongolia took the path of democracy, the spiritual friendly relations based on shared cultural values have been continuously expanded, covering more areas. In short, in 1994, Mongolia first adopted the "Concept of Foreign Policy", and when it was revised in 2011, India, as a spiritual neighbour, was included in the framework of the 'Third Neighbour Policy'."
Professor N. Altantsetseg, a doctorate holder from the National University of Mongolia and an Eastern scholar, said, "The relationship between Mongolia and India has developed from a comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership for ten years. In 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India visited Mongolia, the relationship was upgraded to 'Strategic Partnership'. A strategic partnership not only relies on multiple pillars but also places greater emphasis on interest alignment. From this perspective, India is an important pivot of Mongolia's foreign policy, and we are currently studying points of convergence of interests between the two sides. So far, seven items have been summarized. However, researching the foreign policy of major powers takes a lot of time. Therefore, considering the changes in international relations in recent years, India will still be one of the main countries influencing Mongolia's foreign policy."
Doctor B. Aligirma, lecturer of the Foreign Languages Department of the Internal Affairs University, stated that India has genuinely promoted educational reforms and achieved digitalization with remarkable results in recent years. Since the 1990s, India has received at least 20 Mongolian trainees for long-term and short-term training annually, and India fully covers tuition and living expenses. According to the latest research, India's per capita GDP ranks fourth in the world, and its educational reforms have reached global leading levels. Therefore, Mongolian youth studying in India in information technology and other specialties will be highly effective.
All scholars at the conference agreed that today, the two countries have transformed from spiritual neighbours into third neighbours and strategic partners, and are continuously expanding their relations and cooperation.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1843956121096192/
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