Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Context: India will launch a new capacity-building programme to train Mongolia’s border security forces, as announced by PM Modi during a press conference with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa.
More in the news:
- The programme will strengthen defence and security cooperation between India and Mongolia.
- Holy relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.
- Free e-visas will be issued to Mongolian citizens to promote bilateral ties.
- 10 MoUs were signed covering various sectors, including immigration, geology, humanitarian aid, and yoga.
India-Mongolia Relations:
- Historical Relations:
- India and Mongolia share deep Buddhist ties.
- Mongolia regards India as its “spiritual neighbor” and “third” neighbor, alongside the US, Japan, and Germany.
- Diplomatic Relations:
- India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955 and was the first non-Soviet country to do so.
- The relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015, with India’s Act East Policy emphasizing Mongolia’s importance.
- International Cooperation:
- Mongolia supports India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat.
- India helped Mongolia gain membership in key international forums despite opposition from China and Taiwan.
- Both countries co-sponsored a 1972 UN resolution for Bangladesh’s recognition.
- Economic Cooperation:
- India built an oil refinery in Mongolia in 2022, with a capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes, covering 75% of Mongolia’s oil needs.
- Bilateral trade between India and Mongolia in 2024 was $111 million, with India exporting approximately $28.85 million and Mongolia exporting around $36.5 million to India
- Cultural Cooperation:
- The India-Mongolia Agreement on Cultural Cooperation (1961) governs the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), promoting educational exchanges, scholarships, and expert exchanges.
- Defence Cooperation:
- Joint defence exercises like Nomadic Elephant and participation in the Khaan Quest training exercise enhance military collaboration.
- Environmental Cooperation:
- Both countries cooperate on environmental issues, including the Bishkek Declaration on the snow leopard.
- Way Forward:
- India-Mongolia relations can grow by leveraging historical ties, and expanding political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
- India should see Mongolia as an economic development zone and enhance modernization efforts, with a focus on hi-tech industries and production skills.
- Both nations face common regional challenges, offering potential for strengthened ties in the future.
Q- India and Mongolia share a deep historical and cultural connection, particularly through Buddhism. Analyze the significance of India-Mongolia relations in terms of diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation, with a focus on recent developments. (15 Marks)