New Delhi, October 15, 2025 – India-Mongolia MoUs signed during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit on Tuesday, elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership while marking 70 years of diplomatic ties. The agreements, exchanged at Hyderabad House, cover cultural exchange, immigration and energy sectors. This story matters in South Asia as India-Mongolia strategic partnership bolsters New Delhi’s outreach to Central Asia, potentially securing alternative energy routes amid regional tensions and fostering stability through shared Buddhist heritage and defence training.
India-Mongolia MoUs Signed: Key Details
The 10 MoUs signed between India and Mongolia span diverse areas. They include a cultural exchange programme for 2025-2028, cooperation in immigration and visa facilitation, promotion of cooperatives, humanitarian assistance during disasters, geology and mineral exploration, and capacity building for border security. One notable pact links Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council with Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province for cultural and economic ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa witnessed the exchange after delegation-level talks. Modi stated: “Our relationship goes beyond the Central Governments. The MoU signed today between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province will strengthen people-to-people ties.” The leaders also released a joint postage stamp commemorating 70 years of relations.
India announced free e-visas for Mongolian citizens to boost tourism and exchanges. This move aligns with India-Mongolia strategic partnership goals, easing travel amid growing economic links.
Mongolian President Visit India 2025: Itinerary and Highlights
President Khurelsukh arrived in New Delhi on Monday, October 13, 2025, for a four-day state visit. He received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the airport, greeted by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.
On Tuesday morning, the president paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. He then held talks with Modi, covering defence, security, trade, investment and cultural bonds. The visit marks the first by a Mongolian head of state to India in recent years, underscoring mutual interests.
Khurelsukh also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, discussing enhanced military cooperation. India committed to training Mongolia’s border security forces, building on shared concerns over regional stability. A parliamentary delegation from Mongolia, led by the president, visited India’s Parliament House for bilateral discussions.
The Mongolian President visit India 2025 agenda includes further meetings before departure on Thursday, October 16.
Energy Cooperation in Focus
A highlight of the India-Mongolia strategic partnership is the ongoing oil refinery project in Mongolia’s Sainshand, backed by a USD 1.7 billion Indian line of Credit. The facility, Mongolia’s first, will process 1.5 million metric tons of crude annually or 30000 barrels per day. Equipment is manufactured in India and shipped to Mongolia.
India’s foreign ministry confirmed the refinery should begin operations in 2028. Mongolian officials expressed interest in Indian firms exploring oil and gas reserves in their country. Discussions also touched on importing coking coal from Mongolia, leveraging discounts via Russian transit routes.
This project, initiated in 2015, symbolises long-term commitment. It reduces Mongolia’s reliance on imported fuels and strengthens India’s energy security footprint in Central Asia.
Background: 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
India and Mongolia established diplomatic ties on December 24, 1955. Rooted in shared Buddhist heritage, relations have evolved from cultural links to strategic cooperation.
Past milestones include Modi’s 2015 visit to Ulaanbaatar, the first by an Indian prime minister, where the partnership was upgraded. India has provided vaccines, relics of Lord Buddha and development aid, including school construction.
Trade stands at USD 35 million annually, with potential in mining and IT. The current elevation to India-Mongolia strategic partnership builds on this foundation, emphasising defence and economic synergy.
What’s Next
Future collaboration under India-Mongolia strategic partnership includes joint exercises, mineral exploration and digital initiatives. Both sides aim to convene the joint working group soon.
With these India-Mongolia MoUs signed, the nations anticipate enhanced connectivity and mutual growth in the coming years.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 15th, 2025
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