India-Mongolia relations

General Studies Paper 2

• Context: Recently, the 11^thmeeting of the India-Mongolia Joint Working Group was held in India.
• While acknowledging the growing ties between both the countries, they expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defense cooperation despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19 pandemic.

How have been the India-Mongolia Relations?

• Historical Relations:
  • India and Mongolia have interacted through Buddhism through out history.
  • Mongolia regards India as its “third” neighbor along with US, Japan, and Germany and a “spiritual neighbour”.
• Diplomatic Relations:
  • India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955and it was the first country outside the Soviet bloc to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia.
  • The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened in 1971.
    • This relationship was upgraded to “strategic partnership” in 2015 when the Indian Prime Minister visited Mongolia and declared it as an essential component of  ‘Act East Policy’.
  • International Cooperation:
    • Mongolia has publicly reiterated its support for India’s membership to the permanent seat of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
    • India has played an important role in getting Mongolia membership to key international forums, including the United Nations (UN),   despite strong opposition from China and Taiwan.
    • India also championed the inclusion of Mongolia in the Non-Aligned Movement.
      • In a reciprocal gesture, Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution with India and Bhutan for the recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.
    • Economic Cooperation:
      • In 2022, an India-built oil refinery at the cost of more than USD 1 billion and with a capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes was opened near Sainshand in southern Dornogovi province of Mongolia.
        • This refinery will take care of 75 % of Mongolia’s oil refining needs.
      • India – Mongolia bilateral trade was USD 35.3 million in 2020, down from USD 38.3 million in 2019.
    • Cultural Cooperation:
      • The India-Mongolian Agreement on Cultural Cooperation, signed in 1961,has governed the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between the two countries.
      • The Agreement envisages co-operation in the fields of education by way of scholarships, exchange of experts, participation in conferences, etc.
    • Defence Cooperation:
      • Joint defence exercises code-named  Nomadic Elephant
      • India is also an active participant in an annual week-long joint training exercise called the Khaan Quest, hosted by Mongolia.
    • Cooperation over Environmental Issues:
      • Part of the  Bishkek Declaration (snow leopard).

Way Forward

• The way forward for India-Mongolia relations is to build on the existing foundation of historical and cultural ties, while also seeking to expand political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
• Mongolia’s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attract major powers towards it.India should consider Mongolia as a green zone of economic development that absorbs hi-tech features and production skills in a modernization process.
• With both countries facing common challenges in the region, there is tremendous potential for further strengthening the relationship in the coming years.