External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Mongolian counterpart Battsetseg Batmunkh on Monday (June 22, 2026) and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in development projects, capacity building, security and multilateral fora.
Mr. Jaishankar, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar on the first leg of a two-nation visit, also called on Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The External Affairs Minister said he was delighted to meet the Mongolian Foreign Minister.
"Our discussions reflected the warmth, strength and promise of our Strategic Partnership. Reviewed the progress in our cooperation in development projects, capacity building, culture, education, security and multilateral fora," Mr. Jaishankar said in a post on X.
The two leaders also discussed opportunities in mining, clean energy and agri processing. "As a third neighbour and a spiritual partner, India stands ready to advance its close and cordial ties with Mongolia," he said.
Addressing the press after his meeting, Mr. Jaishankar said the India-Mongolia relationship is rooted in "deep civilisational and spiritual heritage, shared democratic values, strong development aspirations and strong people-to-people ties".
Calling his meeting with Batmunkh "very warm and productive", Mr. Jaishankar said that they reviewed the gamut of bilateral cooperation, including development partnership, capacity building, technology, economic and trade cooperation, supply chain cooperation, education, culture, defence, security and energy.
"We had an exchange of views on more ideas, new opportunities, and preparing an agenda for the next level of our strategic partnership," he said.
They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in multinational forums.
"We reiterated our commitment to work with the Mongolian side to take our strategic partnership to even greater heights," he said.
"In our discussions, we reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral cooperation, including the development partnership of which the Oil Refinery is the most important project, there is also an ICT Centre and a school, and a number of Quick Impact Projects," Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Monday in New Delhi.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership, the Buddhist heritage links and people-to-people exchanges, it said.
Mr. Jaishankar also said that,"we very much value your participation in the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance." Earlier, Mr. Jaishankar also called on President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and conveyed heartfelt greetings of President Murmu and PM Modi.
"President Ukhnaa's visit last year imparted a strong momentum to our Strategic Partnership. Value his guidance on advancing our strong cooperation in a wide range of sectors. Fully agree with him that the greatest friendship is spiritual friendship," he said.
Mr. Jaishankar also met Speaker Sandag Byambatsogt.
"A pleasure to meet Speaker of the State Great Khural Sandag Byambatsogt @BYAMBATSOGT_S today. Welcome his strong support for India - Mongolia parliamentary exchanges and friendship. Reiterated support to deepening our people-centric development partnership," he said in a post on X.
The External Affairs Minister also met the Mongolian Education Minister L Enkh-Amgalan and former President N Enkhbayar.
"Had a warm interaction with Minister of Education L Enkh-Amgalan @enkhamgalanmp and former President N Enkhbayar of Mongolia this afternoon. Value their support for deepening our Strategic Partnership," he said.
Mr. Jaishankar also met Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D. Javzandorj, Chief Abbot of Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist place of worship in the country.
"His blessings for deepening our cultural ties and people to people goodwill are deeply cherished," Mr. Jaishankar said.
Earlier, Mongolia's State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav extended a warm welcome to the external affairs minister upon his arrival.
"Look forward to fruitful engagements to advance our special partnership," Mr. Jaishankar said.
From Mongolia,Mr. Jaishankar will travel to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday for the final leg of his two-day visit.
In Seoul, Mr. Jaishankar will hold discussions with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun. He will also deliver the keynote speech at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity on Thursday.
The Jeju Forum is a platform to discuss timely global issues, with leaders and experts from various fields participating.
The Minister's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening ties with its Asian partners amid broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation and stability.
Published - June 23, 2026 01:44 am IST
Mongolia / international relations
Source: The Hindu - India News
