India–Mongolia Sign MoUs, Announce Free Visas, Mark 70 Years

On October 14, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa held high-level talks in New Delhi, marking a milestone in India–Mongolia relations. The visit, commemorating 70 years of diplomatic ties, witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs, cultural exchanges, and announcements aimed at enhancing connectivity, development, and people-to-people bonds.

India–Mongolia: A Deepening Strategic and Cultural Bond

Historical Ties and Milestones

• India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Mongolia in 1955, and over the decades, the relationship has grown steadily.
• In 2015, during PM Modi’s visit to Mongolia, the partnership was elevated to a Strategic Partnership, leading to major developmental support, including a $1 billion credit line.
• The 2025 visit marks both 70 years of bilateral relations and 10 years of strategic partnership, reflecting a matured, multifaceted connection.

Key Agreements and Initiatives

Ten MoUs Signed

India and Mongolia signed 10 MoUs in areas including,

• Humanitarian aid
• Restoration of heritage sites
• Immigration cooperation
• Geology and mineral resources exploration
• Promotion of cooperatives
• Digital cooperation and solution sharing

Additionally, regional-level cooperation was formalised between Ladakh’s Autonomous Hill Development Council and Arkhangai Province in Mongolia.

Energy and Infrastructure

• India reaffirmed its support for a $1.7 billion oil refinery project in Mongolia.
• This facility, Mongolia’s first major refinery, is expected to process 1.5 million metric tons of crude annually and become operational by 2028.
• The project aims to bolster Mongolia’s energy independence while enhancing India’s economic footprint in the region.
• India also expressed interest in oil and gas exploration opportunities in Mongolia, signalling future collaboration in natural resources.

Digital and Educational Diplomacy

• A landmark digital cooperation MoU was signed to enhance e-governance and digital public infrastructure.
• India will also digitise one million ancient Mongolian manuscripts and send a Sanskrit teacher to Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery for a year to strengthen academic and spiritual ties.

Cultural and Spiritual Outreach

• Highlighting their shared Buddhist heritage, both leaders emphasised linking Nalanda University with Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery.
• India announced it would send the holy relics of Arahants Sariputra and Maudgalyayana to Mongolia in 2026.
• To deepen cultural exchange, India will sponsor annual visits of young Mongolian cultural ambassadors and has made e-visas free for Mongolian citizens, easing travel and fostering people-to-people connections.
• A set of commemorative stamps was also jointly released to mark 70 years of India–Mongolia relations.

Diplomatic and Global Cooperation

Strengthened Multilateral Support

• Mongolia expressed strong support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council and backed India’s non-permanent seat candidature for 2028–29.

Environmental and Defence Ties

• Mongolia joined the International Big Cat Alliance, aligning with India’s conservation initiatives. A new step in defence diplomacy was announced with the appointment of a resident defence attaché in India’s embassy in Ulaanbaatar.

Key Takeaways

• 70 years of diplomatic ties and 10 years of strategic partnership in 2025
• 10 MoUs signed across diverse sectors
• $1.7 billion oil refinery project to boost Mongolia’s energy security
• Free e-visas for Mongolian citizens announced by India
• Buddhist and cultural outreach through relics, Sanskrit education, and Nalanda–Gandan links
• Mongolia backs India at the UNSC and joins the Big Cat Alliance