President U.Khurelsukh has embarked on a state visit to India from today until Thursday, marking 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the 2 nations. What began as a bond rooted in Buddhism and shared history now evolving into a modern strategic partnership shaped by trade, technology, and energy ambitions.

📜 A Partnership Rooted in History

The turning point came in 2015, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian leader to visit Mongolia. His pledge of a $1 billion line of credit and the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership symbolized India’s growing engagement in Northeast Asia, and Mongolia’s importance within it.

🌏 A Visit of Strategic Importance

This week’s state visit goes beyond ceremonial gestures. Alongside cultural performances, exhibitions, and a Mongolia–India Business Forum, the 2 sides are expected to review progress on flagship projects financed by India and explore new areas of cooperation in renewable energy, defense, and digital transformation.

🤝 At the heart of the partnership lie 3 key projects:

• 🛢️ Oil Refinery: Funded through India’s $1.7 billion concessional loan, the refinery, expected to start operations by 2026–2027, will mark a milestone in reducing Mongolia’s dependence on imported fuel.
• 💻 IT and Cybersecurity Center: Supported by a $20 million Indian loan, the training center at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology will open in 2025, equipping 800 students a year with digital skills.
• 🏫 Friendship School: Built with $5.3 million in Indian grant assistance, the new school will open in 2026, deepening cooperation in education and youth development.

Overall… Once defined largely by Buddhism and cultural exchange, Mongolia–India relations are now anchored in shared development goals. As global power dynamics shift toward a multipolar order, both nations see value in a partnership that blends historical kinship with pragmatic collaboration.

India’s interest in importing Mongolian coal, once a hot topic, has gone quiet in recent years. Whether this issue reemerges during the visit could signal the next stage of this evolving relationship.