External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has begun a two‑day visit to Mongolia, marking the first leg of his four‑day East Asia tour that will also take him to South Korea. His arrival in Ulaanbaatar signals a renewed push to strengthen India’s engagement with a key strategic partner in the region.
During the visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold extensive bilateral talks with Mongolian Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, followed by high‑level meetings with the country’s top leadership. The discussions are anchored in the 10‑year strategic roadmap agreed during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s state visit to New Delhi, outlining deeper cooperation across energy, digital infrastructure, defence, and connectivity.
A major highlight of the visit is the India‑backed Mongol Refinery Project, a flagship initiative funded through an Indian Line of Credit. The refinery is central to Mongolia’s efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on energy imports from neighbouring countries. Officials say the project will be a key agenda point as both sides review progress and explore expanded energy security cooperation.
Jaishankar wrote on X that he was “pleased to arrive in Mongolia,” thanking State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav for the warm welcome and expressing optimism about advancing the “special partnership” between the two nations.
Talks are also expected to cover digital and cyber‑security collaboration, with India looking to support Mongolia’s digital infrastructure and resilience. Defence ties will feature prominently as well, including discussions on strengthening the annual Nomadic Elephant military exercise and improving supply‑chain and connectivity links.
After concluding his engagements in Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, Jaishankar will depart for Seoul, where he is scheduled to hold strategic discussions aimed at deepening India–Korea cooperation.