India to Launch Border Security Capacity-Building Programme for Mongolia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

India will initiate a capacity-building programme for Mongolia’s border security forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday during the official visit of Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhna. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen defence, security, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

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Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation

Addressing the media, PM Modi highlighted the growing defence ties between India and Mongolia, noting, “Our defence and security cooperation is steadily strengthening. We have launched several initiatives, from training programmes to the appointment of a Defence Attaché at the Embassy. India will also launch a new capacity-building programme for Mongolia’s border security forces.”

Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) explained that the programme will build on existing joint exercises and training, providing Mongolian personnel with exposure to Indian security practices and operational training.

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Cultural and Religious Links

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the historic Buddhist connections between the countries. “Today, we made several important decisions to further strengthen this tradition and our historic ties. I am happy to announce that next year, the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana — will be sent from India to Mongolia,” he said.

This cultural diplomacy underscores India’s soft-power engagement with Mongolia, reinforcing shared heritage and values.

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Bilateral Agreements Signed

During the visit, the two countries signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering a wide range of areas:

• Immigration and visa facilitation (India will issue free e-visas for Mongolian citizens).

• Humanitarian aid and disaster management.

• Geology and mineral resource cooperation.

• Yoga and cultural exchanges.

• Enhanced ties between Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and Mongolia’s Arkhangai province, home to a significant Buddhist population.

The leaders also released a commemorative postal stamp celebrating the 70th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations.

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Economic and Infrastructure Cooperation

The talks reviewed India’s largest development assistance project in Mongolia: the construction of an oil refinery funded by a $1.7 billion Line of Credit from India, expected to be operational by 2028. Officials expressed satisfaction with progress at the construction site.

Additionally, discussions included the appointment of a resident Defence Attaché in Ulaanbaatar and preliminary talks about potential direct flights between India and Mongolia, though officials noted feasibility challenges remain.

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Significance

This visit and the agreements signify deepening bilateral engagement, combining defence collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and economic development. The new border security training programme positions India as a key strategic partner for Mongolia, while cultural initiatives and infrastructure projects strengthen long-term people-to-people and economic ties.