Staff Reporter
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concluded his two-day official visit to Mongolia on Tuesday, focusing on advancing key areas of bilateral cooperation and reviewing the implementation of ongoing initiatives under the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Mongolian Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, followed the State Visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to India in October 2025 and aimed at accelerating engagement across multiple sectors.
During his meetings with Foreign Minister Battsetseg and Chief of Cabinet Secretariat B. Enkhbayar, Dr. Jaishankar reviewed progress in existing partnerships and discussed operational measures to deepen collaboration. Talks covered development projects, trade and investment, education, cultural exchanges, capacity building, defence cooperation, supply-chain resilience, mining and critical minerals, air connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
The two sides also explored new avenues for cooperation in strategically important sectors, particularly critical minerals and mining, areas that have gained significance amid global efforts to diversify supply chains and secure access to essential resources.
Dr. Jaishankar called on President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and held separate meetings with Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) S. Byambatsogt and Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan. Discussions underscored the commitment of both countries to strengthen political, economic and institutional linkages while expanding educational and cultural engagement.
A key highlight of the visit was Dr. Jaishankar’s inspection of the India-supported Oil Refinery Project at Altanshiree in Mongolia’s Dornogovi province. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Battsetseg and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinnyam Gongor, he reviewed the progress of the project, which remains one of the flagship initiatives under India’s development partnership with Mongolia.
The refinery project is expected to play a significant role in enhancing Mongolia’s energy security and reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products, while showcasing India’s development cooperation capabilities in the region.
The External Affairs Minister also exchanged views with Mongolian leaders on regional and global developments of mutual interest, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two countries.
In addition to the official engagements, Dr. Jaishankar visited the Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, highlighting the long-standing civilisational, cultural and spiritual links that continue to serve as a foundation for India-Mongolia relations.
The visit reinforced both countries’ commitment to translating strategic partnership goals into concrete outcomes through enhanced cooperation in infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, connectivity and human-resource development.