India-Mongolia Partnership: Uranium, Refinery, and Defence

The India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership took a major leap forward on Tuesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa unveiled a wide-ranging agenda covering energy security, defence cooperation, mineral exploration, and cultural exchange.

President Khurelsukh’s visit, the first by a Mongolian head of state in six years, underscored Ulaanbaatar’s intent to strengthen ties with India beyond symbolism. The two leaders announced 10 new agreements covering digital solutions, geology and mineral resources, immigration cooperation, quick impact projects, and cultural preservation.

India-Mongolia: Uranium and Mineral Cooperation: Securing Future Energy Needs

One of the highlights of the talks was India’s interest in sourcing uranium from Mongolia, which has an estimated 90,000 tonnes of reserves. With Mongolia already finalising a uranium extraction agreement with France earlier this year, New Delhi is keen to position itself as a long-term partner in the nuclear fuel sector.

“India has offered to partner with Mongolia on uranium supply, and discussions will continue in the coming months,” confirmed P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs. India’s interest also extends to copper, gold, and zinc—minerals critical for clean energy and advanced technology sectors.

Mongol Refinery: A Flagship of India’s Global Development Projects

The talks placed special emphasis on the Mongol Refinery, Mongolia’s first-ever oil refinery, being built with a $1.7-billion Indian line of credit. Expected to be operational by 2028, the refinery will process up to 1.5 million tonnes of crude oil annually, significantly reducing Mongolia’s dependence on imports.

Prime Minister Modi described the project as India’s largest global development partnership, noting that more than 2,500 Indian experts are working alongside Mongolian professionals to bring the refinery to life. President Khurelsukh hailed it as a “flagship symbol of cooperation” and a foundation for Mongolia’s energy independence.

India-Mongolia: Defence and Security: Expanding Cooperation

Defence cooperation featured prominently in the agenda, with the announcement of a resident Indian defence attaché in Ulaanbaatar and the expansion of military training and joint exercises. Both nations already collaborate in defence through exercises such as Nomadic Elephant and Khaan Quest, and Mongolia has expressed interest in deeper cooperation on drone technology and cyber security.

“India has launched several initiatives, from new training programmes to enhanced support for Mongolia’s border security forces,” Modi said, adding that New Delhi remains committed to expanding military and security cooperation under the India-Mongolia Strategic Partnership framework.

Cultural and People-to-People Ties

Beyond energy and defence, cultural diplomacy also took centre stage. India announced it will send relics of two disciples of Lord Buddha to Mongolia in 2026, a move that resonates deeply with the shared Buddhist heritage of both nations. Additionally, free e-visas for Mongolian nationals and charter flight services to New Delhi and Amritsar are expected to boost tourism and cultural exchanges.

The leaders also finalised agreements for cooperation between India’s Ladakh region and Mongolia’s Arkhangai province, as well as for the renovation of Mongolia’s historic Bogd Khan Winter Palace.

A Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific and Global South

Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s vision of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, stressing that New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar stand together in amplifying the voice of the Global South. “Even though we do not share a border, India has always considered Mongolia a close neighbour,” he said.

President Khurelsukh, in turn, highlighted the need for new transport and logistics corridors to enhance bilateral trade and economic growth.

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