2 hours ago
S Jaishankar met Mongolia's foreign minister and president in Ulaanbaatar to review bilateral cooperation. The visit highlighted stronger strategic, spiritual and economic ties, with new focus on mining and clean energy.
Image used for representational purposes only
Ulaanbaatar,UPDATED: Jun 22, 2026 19:08 IST
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh in Ulaanbaatar on Monday and reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across development projects, capacity building, culture, education, security and multilateral fora. The two sides also discussed opportunities in mining, clean energy and agri-processing.
During the first leg of his two-nation visit, Jaishankar also called on Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He later met Khamba Nomun Khan Geshe Lharampa D Javzandorj, Chief Abbot of Gandan Monastery, before heading to the Republic of Korea on Wednesday for the next leg of his trip.
In a post on X after his meeting with Battsetseg, Jaishankar said he was delighted to meet the Mongolian foreign minister. "Our discussions reflected the warmth, strength and promise of our Strategic Partnership. Reviewed the progress in our cooperation in development projects, capacity building, culture, education, security and multilateral fora," he said.
He said the talks also covered new opportunities in mining, clean energy and agri-processing. "As a third neighbour and a spiritual partner, India stands ready to advance its close and cordial ties with Mongolia," he said.
Jaishankar said he also called on President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and conveyed the "heartfelt greetings" of President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi. "President Ukhnaa's visit last year imparted a strong momentum to our Strategic Partnership. Value his guidance on advancing our strong cooperation in a wide range of sectors. Fully agree with him that the greatest friendship is spiritual friendship," he said.
On his meeting with the Chief Abbot of Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist place of worship in Mongolia, Jaishankar said, "His blessings for deepening our cultural ties and people to people goodwill are deeply cherished." Earlier, Mongolia's State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav welcomed him on arrival, after which Jaishankar said, "Look forward to fruitful engagements to advance our special partnership."
From Mongolia, Jaishankar will travel to Seoul, where he will hold talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. He will also deliver the keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity on Thursday. The forum brings together leaders and experts from different fields to discuss current global issues. The visit covers meetings in Mongolia, a call on its president, an outreach at a key monastery and the next round of engagements in South Korea.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jun 22, 2026 19:08 IST
