Jaishankar Reviews Progress at Mongol Refinery Project
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday visited the Mongol Refinery Project in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and reviewed the status of construction work. He was accompanied by Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh and Industry and Mining Minister Gongor Damdinnyam. Jaishankar interacted with both Indian and Mongolian workforce at the site, thanking them for their dedication and commitment in executing the project under challenging conditions.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the refinery as a landmark friendship project between India and Mongolia that is making steady progress. He reviewed the implementation status with various teams involved.
High-Level Meetings Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Earlier on Monday, Jaishankar held a series of high-level interactions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation. He met Speaker of the State Great Khural Sandag Byambatsogt, welcoming his support for India-Mongolia parliamentary exchanges. Jaishankar also met Mongolia's Education Minister L Enkh-Amgalan and former President N Enkhbayar, describing the engagements as important for strengthening ties.
Jaishankar arrived in Mongolia on June 22 as part of a four-day diplomatic tour covering Mongolia and the Republic of Korea. Upon arrival, he called on Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, conveying greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar noted that the two leaders shared a common vision for the partnership, stating, “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.”
Focus on Economic Cooperation and Development Projects
Jaishankar held comprehensive bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, discussing ways to transform cordial ties into tangible economic outcomes. Key areas identified include review of ongoing development projects, new opportunities in the mining sector, clean energy and agricultural processing collaborations, and sustained cooperation in education, security, and multilateral forums.
Jaishankar also visited the Gandan Monastery, meeting Chief Abbot Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj, highlighting the monastery's role in promoting cultural and spiritual ties.
Broader Diplomatic Tour Includes South Korea
Jaishankar's visit to Mongolia is part of a broader four-day tour from June 22 to 25, which also includes South Korea. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he will hold meetings with leadership in both countries to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The tour aims to further India's strategic and cultural engagement with the region.
