New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced a series of new initiatives aimed at strengthening India–Mongolia ties, following the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province.
Addressing the event in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the new agreements will “inject new energy into our cultural ties” and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening its friendship with Mongolia. “Although our borders may not be shared, India has always viewed Mongolia as a neighbour, and we will continue to promote people-to-people ties,” he stated.
The latest agreements between Ladakh and Arkhangai are expected to further strengthen cultural, economic, and educational linkages between India and Mongolia — a relationship often described as rooted in shared Buddhist heritage and mutual respect.
In a major announcement, Mr. Modi said India will provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens, along with sponsoring annual visits of young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India. The initiatives, he said, will further enhance cultural and educational exchange between the two nations.
Highlighting India’s development partnership, the Prime Minister cited the $1.7 billion oil refinery project in Mongolia, being implemented under India’s line of credit, as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. “This is India’s largest development partnership project in the world, and more than 2,500 Indians are working with their Mongolian counterparts to implement it,” he noted, adding that the refinery will play a key role in strengthening Mongolia’s energy security.
Mr. Modi also underscored growing cooperation in skill development and education, pointing to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Centre of Excellence for IT and the India–Mongolia Friendship School as platforms “where the dreams of Mongolia’s youth are taking flight.”
“These projects are shining examples of our deep friendship,” he said. “We are announcing several projects today that will bring positive changes to the lives of ordinary people.”
