India - Mongolia Relations

• 21 Sep 2019

Recently, the Mongolian President visited India. During the visit both the countries emphasized not only the expansion of strategic partnerships but also the conversion of a strategic relationship into the spiritual brotherhood.

• The two countries have also signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on Space Cooperation and Disaster Management that will provide a new dimension to the India-Mongolia strategic partnership.
• A joint statement on space cooperation would allow “peaceful exploration” of outer space and include remote sensing and weather forecasting services for both the countries.
• Both sides took stock of the project to build a Cyber Security Training Centre to be established in Mongolia with Indian support.
• The scope of India and Mongolia regular military exercises named “Nomadic Elephant” and “Khaan Quest” is expected to be broadened.
• The year 2020 will mark the 65^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia.

Timeline of India-Mongolia Relations

• The common Buddhist heritage and civilizations link two countries and peoples.
• India established diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1955 as Mongolia declared India as a “spiritual neighbour” and strategic partner
• Mongolia along with India and Bhutan co-sponsored the famous UN Resolution for the recognition of Bangladesh as an independent country in 1972.
• The first-ever visit by PM to Mongolia was in 2015 marked the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia.
• Mongolia has been traditionally supporting India in the United Nations and various other international forums.
• Mongolia voted in favour of India’s proposal to Yoga’s inscription into the list of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Mongolia has publicly reiterated its support for India’s membership to the permanent seat of expanded UNSC.
• India has been helping Mongolia to develop infrastructure, health sector and to expand education and employment opportunities in the country.

SAMVAAD dialogue

• SAMVAAD dialogue brings Buddhist religious leaders, experts and scholars from different countries together to deliberate on contemporary issues related to Buddhism.
• "Samvaad", is a derivative of the Sanskrit word "Samvadam" [meaning "Dialogue"]
• The conference urged open and truthful global dialogue on conflicts and the environment.

General Assembly of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP)

• It was initiated at Ulaanbaatar, (Mongolia) in 1969-70 as a voluntary movement of followers of Lord Buddha, both monks and lay, striving to disseminate and implement the teachings of the Enlightened One on peace and harmony, compassion and loving-kindness for all sentient beings on Earth.
• It aims to bring together the efforts of Buddhists in support of consolidating universal peace, harmony, and cooperation among peoples of Asia.
• The year 2019 marks the 50^th anniversary of the Assembly of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP).

Source:PIB