External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh met in Ulaanbaatar on June 22, 2026, to review progress in bilateral development projects and explore new avenues for cooperation in mining, clean energy, and agricultural processing. Jaishankar described the talks as reflecting the warmth, strength, and promise of the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
Key Areas of Cooperation Discussed
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Reviewed the progress in our cooperation in development projects, capacity building, culture, education, security and multilateral fora. Also spoke about opportunities in mining, clean energy and agri processing." He emphasized that India, as a third neighbour and spiritual partner, stands ready to advance its close and cordial ties with Mongolia.
Building on Previous High-Level Engagements
The discussions built on key issues raised during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's visit to India in October 2025. That visit resulted in the signing of an MoU for cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources, facilitating technological exchange and expertise sharing. The leaders agreed to lay the groundwork for exporting Mongolia's key mineral resources—including coking coal and copper—to the Indian market, aiming for shared industrial development and economic growth.
Renewable Energy and Agricultural Processing
India and Mongolia also agreed to explore renewing the MoU on Renewable Energy Cooperation to advance clean energy development, foster innovation, and elevate bilateral energy cooperation. With Mongolia's rich livestock resources and India's expertise in processing wool for carpets and textiles, both sides committed to leveraging complementary strengths to enhance cooperation in raw material supply, processing, manufacturing, technology transfer, and human resource exchange for value-added wool and cashmere products for the global market.
Jaishankar's State Visit to Mongolia and South Korea
Jaishankar arrived in Mongolia on June 22 for a two-day state visit. He was welcomed by State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav. The External Affairs Minister is on a four-day visit to Mongolia and the Republic of Korea from June 22 to 25, during which he will meet with Mongolian and Korean leadership and hold discussions with his counterparts, according to an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
