In a step reaffirming the deep civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia, the Government of India has announced the deployment of a Sanskrit teacher to Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery for one year. The announcement was made by Secretary (East) P Kumaran of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during a special briefing on the ongoing State visit of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to India.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting our shared Buddhist heritage,” Kumaran said, noting that the move is aimed at strengthening monastic Sanskrit education and further deepening the scholarly and spiritual exchanges between the two nations.
The announcement is part of a broader cultural diplomacy effort marking 70 years of diplomatic ties and 10 years of Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Among other cultural initiatives, Kumaran also confirmed that India will send the holy relics of Arhant Sariputta and Arhant Mahamogallana to Mongolia in 2026. These relics — the sacred remains of Lord Buddha’s two chief disciples will be sent as a gesture of spiritual goodwill, following the historic Kapilavastu relics exposition in 2022.
Often referred to as “spiritual siblings,” India and Mongolia share a profound bond rooted in Buddhism, strengthened through centuries of academic, linguistic, and cultural exchange. Mongolian monks historically studied at Nalanda University, and Mongolian monasteries continue to preserve valuable Sanskrit manuscripts lost to India over centuries. The depth of this spiritual connection was eloquently captured by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his tenure as External Affairs Minister in 1978.
“India and Mongolia are ancient lands of the ancient people of Asia. The historic and cultural collaboration between India and Mongolia is most fascinating and unique... We hold the people of Mongolia in high esteem for preserving, in translation and manuscript, the vast collection of our precious Sanskrit texts lost by us over centuries.”
Strengthening ties: India to boost Sanskrit education in Mongolia
The MEA also unveiled several initiatives to further bolster people-to-people and educational linkages, Launch of an ICCR-supported youth orientation programme, through which eight Mongolian students and faculty will visit India.
An increase of 70 ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) training slots for Mongolian nationals. Free (gratis) e-visas for all Mongolian citizens, aimed at enhancing travel for academic, spiritual, and cultural purposes. These measures fall under what Indian officials describe as the “4 Ds” framework of India-Mongolia relations: Dharma (spirituality), Democracy, Development Partnership, and Digital Development Cooperation.
The India-Mongolia relationship is also steeped in rich historical narratives. According to some scholars and Mongolian oral traditions, tribes from the ancient Kangra kingdom may have migrated to Mongolian lands over 4,000 years ago. Additionally, ‘Ganga Nuur’ lake in Mongolia is believed by many to have been named after India’s Ganga River, after Mongolian lamas carried sacred water from India and poured it into the lake in Sukhbaatar Province.
Such cultural and spiritual resonances continue to inspire modern diplomatic initiatives and enrich the bilateral partnership. As President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit progresses, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a relationship that transcends geopolitics - one rooted in shared values, civilisational continuity, and a deep sense of mutual respect.
