Jaishankar Holds Wide-Ranging Talks in Mongolia
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar paid an official visit to Mongolia from June 22-23 at the invitation of his Mongolian counterpart, B Battsetseg. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that discussions covered development partnership, trade, education, culture, capacity building, supply chains, mining and critical minerals, defence, air connectivity, and people-to-people ties. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
High-Level Meetings with Mongolian Leadership
Jaishankar held talks with Foreign Minister Battsetseg and Minister and Chief of Cabinet Secretariat B Enkhbayar. He called on President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Speaker of the State Great Khural S Byambatsogt, and met Education Minister L Enkh-Amgalan. During these meetings, the External Affairs Minister reviewed progress in bilateral relations since President Ukhnaa's state visit to India in October 2025 and discussed potential areas for future collaboration to further expand the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
Visit to India-Assisted Oil Refinery Project
Jaishankar also visited the construction site of the India-assisted Oil Refinery Project in Altanshiree, Dornogovi province, accompanied by Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinnyam Gongor. He was briefed on the project's progress. Additionally, he visited the Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, reiterating India's support for the iconic monastery as a symbol of the special and spiritual bond between the two nations.
Focus on Mining, Energy, Technology, and Human Resources
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared snippets from his meeting with Minister and Chief Cabinet Secretary Battumur Enkhbayar, noting discussions on bilateral cooperation including new avenues in mining, energy, technology, and human resources. He also witnessed the India-Mongolia partnership project for the digitisation of one million Buddhist manuscripts in action, highlighting the cultural and spiritual ties.
Broader Diplomatic Tour
Jaishankar's visit to Mongolia is part of a broader four-day tour that also includes South Korea, underscoring India's engagement with the region.
