Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described India Mongolia relations as a ‘’soulful and spiritual bond’’ between the two countries, not merely diplomatic, which had gained new depth and breadth in every aspect over the past decade.
Addressing a joint press conference with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa who arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit to India, the Prime Minister announced that India would provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens and sponsor the annual visit of young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India.
‘’The relationship between India and Mongolia is not merely diplomatic—it is a soulful and spiritual bond between us. The true depth and breadth of our relationship is reflected in our people-to-people ties…For centuries, both countries have been bound by the thread of Buddhism, which is why we are also called spiritual siblings,’’ the Prime Minister added.
The Mongolian President also held delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister.
Earlier in the morning, the Mongolian President visited Rajghat. He will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today evening.
Pointing out that India has been a steadfast and reliable partner in Mongolia’s development, the Prime Minister said the Oil Refinery Project, being built with India’s 1.7 billion Dollar Line of Credit, will provide new boost to Mongolia’s energy security.
‘’This is India’s largest development partnership project in the world,’’ the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the vital role Nalanda University has played in the development of Buddhism in Mongolia, he said India has decided to bring new energy to this historic relationship by linking Nalanda and Gandan Monastery.
He also announced that next year the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha – Sariputra and Maudgalyayana – will be sent from India to Mongolia.
‘’We will also send a Sanskrit teacher to Gandan Monastery to study the Buddhist texts there in depth and carry forward the ancient knowledge tradition,’’ he said.
”Ten years ago, during my visit to Mongolia, we elevated our partnership to a Strategic Partnership”.
He said Defense and security cooperation between the two countries is also is also steadily strengthening.
Earlier before the meeting with a tree plantation with President Hurelsukh planting a banyan tree in the name of his late mother.
‘’It will remain a symbol of our deep friendship and our shared commitment to the environment for generations to come,’’ Prime Minister Modi said.
He described the visit of the President of Mongolia to India after six years as a ‘’very special occasion,’’ which comes as India and Mongolia celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of Strategic Partnership.
