The visit of the Mongolian President underscores a unique relationship that blends centuries-old spiritual bonds with modern strategic cooperation
We are taught about the Mongol invasions of 13th century in schoolt text books but there is more to it which not many people realise. India has had long peaceful interaction with Mongolia for centuries. There was a long period of cultural and spiritual exchange, particularly through Buddhism. In recent times after Mongolia got independence in 1945 it reached out to India and the diplomatic relations with Mongolia were established in 1955. India became the first country outside the Soviet bloc to have diplomatic relations with Mongolia.
The recent visit of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to India marks yet another chapter in the peaceful ties between the two countries. It reaffirms civilisational relationship rooted in shared spiritual heritage and mutual respect. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, the ties between India and Mongolia transcend political boundaries — they are woven from centuries-old threads of Buddhism, culture, and friendship. India’s decision to send the holy relics of Lord Buddha’s disciples, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, to Mongolia next year is a welcome gesture. It signifies India’s role not only as the birthplace of Buddhism but as a custodian of its living tradition — a bridge between past and present, between philosophy and policy. The announcement to link Nalanda University with Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery, along with the dispatch of a Sanskrit scholar to study Buddhist texts, underscores how India seeks to strengthen intellectual and spiritual linkages. These initiatives revive the centuries-old scholarly exchanges that once connected monastic centres across Asia. But beyond the spiritual plane lies a pragmatic dimension. India and Mongolia, celebrate seventy years of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership.
The two nations are deepening cooperation in defence, energy, connectivity, and capacity building. Mongolia views India as a a trusted partner in maintaining balance and autonomy in a complex geopolitical environment. For India, Mongolia represents not just a friend in East and Central Asia but a key partner in advancing its Act East and Connect Central Asia policies. The announcement of free e-visas for Mongolian citizens and India’s plan to host young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia reflect a forward-looking approach — fostering people-to-people bonds. Over the past decade, cooperation in defence, mining, and renewable energy has gained new momentum.
As global challenges multiply — from climate change to shifting power dynamics — India and Mongolia’s partnership stands as an example of how spiritual solidarity can coexist with strategic pragmatism. In essence, this visit was about reaffirming an ancient truth — that diplomacy grounded in shared values and mutual respect endures beyond shifting geopolitical tides. The friendship between India and Mongolia strengthened by modern cooperation and cultural ties, holds lessons for the world: that peace, partnership, and purpose can indeed walk hand in hand.
