India-Mongolia Relations – UPSC GS2

Historical Relations:

Diplomatic Relations:

India, the first country outside the former Soviet bloc of nations to open diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955, has upgraded ties with Mongolia to a strategic partnership.
In 2015, Mongolia witnessed the first ever visit by the Prime Minister of India (a part of India’s Act East policy).

International Cooperation:

UNSC: Mongolia has publicly reiterated its support for India’s membership to the permanent seat of the expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
NAM: 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.
UN Resolutions: In a reciprocal gesture, Mongolia co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution with India and Bhutan for the recognition of the newly liberated Bangladesh.
Other Forums of which both the countries are members: Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), World Trade Organisation (WTO).
SCO: India is a member whereas Mongolia is an observer state at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Economic Cooperation:

India – Mongolia bilateral trade was USD 38.3 million in 2019, down from USD 52.6 million in 2018.
Mongol Refinery Project:
- It is Mongolia’s 1st oil refinery being built by India.
- The greenfield Mongol Refinery Project is being built under a Line of Credit from the Government of India.
- It is expected to cut some of Mongolia’s fuel import dependence.
- The Project came in the backdrop of Mongolia, which has large uranium deposits signing an agreement for civil nuclear cooperation with India in 2009

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:

Cultural Relations:

The Ministry of Culture (India) has taken up the project of reprinting 108 volumes of Mongolian Kanjur under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).

Other Possible Areas of Cooperation:

Solar energy is abundant and cooperation is solicited especially as India has emerged as the leader by way of International Solar Alliance and its very own ambitious alternate and renewable energy projects.
Mongolia’s mining sector including copper and Uranium hold exceptional cooperation possibilities.
In the area of cooperatives, India has the capacity to share its expertise for the vastly dispersed farmers and milkmen in Mongolia.

Way Forward

Mongolia’s strategic position at the cross junction of Central Asia, Northeast Asia, far East, China and Russia attracts 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.
To preserve and promote the common heritage of Indo-Mongolian culture is important. This should serve as the basis for nurturing and pursuing future common interests.