The 12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group meeting convened in Ulaanbaatar from May 16-17, 2024, with the aim of bolstering bilateral defence ties. Both delegations engaged in discussions concerning ongoing defence cooperation, assessing progress, and identifying avenues for further collaboration.

Chaired by Amitabh Prasad from India, Joint Secretary at the Indian Ministry of Defence, and Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj from Mongolia, the meeting facilitated dialogue on the existing defence partnership and exchanged perspectives on the prevailing geopolitical landscape.

The Joint Secretary underscored India's defence industry potential, advocating for a productive collaboration with Mongolia's Armed Forces. In response, the Mongolian delegation expressed confidence in India's industrial capabilities and recognised the deepening ties between the two nations.

Furthermore, India's Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, along with the Joint Secretary, held discussions with Mongolia's Deputy Defence Minister to address bilateral cooperation matters. Additionally, they conducted a visit to a training establishment in Ulaanbaatar to assess ongoing engagements.

India's historical relationship with Mongolia, which traces back to 1955, has progressively deepened over time. In 1994, the two countries formalised their bond by signing the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation, thereby strengthening their ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mongolia in 2015 marked a significant milestone, elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership, with defence cooperation emerging as a crucial aspect of their bilateral engagement.

The India-funded greenfield oil refinery project in South Gobi, aimed at reducing Mongolia's dependence on Russian oil imports, is progressing as planned. According to Mongolia's ambassador to India, Dambajav Ganbold, the refinery is expected to be operational by 2026, with a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per year, fulfilling Mongolia's fuel requirements.

Mongolia is anticipating a visit by the Indian Prime Minister in 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Additionally, the President of Mongolia is expected to visit India later this year.

The proposed refinery, funded by India’s Exim Bank, seeks to establish energy independence in Mongolia. It will utilise sweet crude from Mongolian oil fields to produce various fuels compliant with international specifications. Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has been appointed as the Project Management Consultant for the refinery project.

This project marks a significant milestone in the relationship between India and Mongolia, enhancing economic activities and bolstering Mongolia’s economy.

Both nations have deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilisational connections, regarding each other as "Spiritual Neighbours." These shared values of democracy, freedom, and market economy continue to bolster their relationship in contemporary times.

Image source: The Financial Express