12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group on Defence held in Ulaanbaatar

To boost defence cooperation and strengthen defence ties, the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) of the defence ministers of India and Mongolia was held at the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar on 16 and 17  May 2024. The JWGs of the defence ministries are held every year.

The Indian side was led by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Amitabh Prasad, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Mongolia, Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj. The Indian Ambassador to Mongolia, Atul Malhari Gotsurve, was also present during the meeting.

Later, Amitabh Prasad and Atul Malhari Gotsurve met the Mongolian deputy Defence Minister, B Bayarmagnai, and discussed bilateral cooperation issues. The Indian delegation visited a training establishment of the Mongolian defence force in Ulaanbaatar to review the ongoing engagements.

Both sides agreed to further the defence cooperation 

During the JWC meeting, India highlighted the capability and capacity of the Indian Armed Forces and asked the Mongolian side to utilise the potential of the Indian manufacturing capability in the defence sector.  

Indian and the Mongolian sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. They reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to enhance cooperation in these areas further,

India Mongolian Relationship

India and Mongolia share over 2600 years of history in Mongolia, with Buddhism being the main link. Mongolia was the home to the Huns tribe, and it emerged as a powerful empire under Genghis Khan in the 13th century AD. 

Political relation 

India established a diplomatic relationship with modern Mongolia on 24 December 1955. India was the first non-communist country to recognise the Mongolian government in 1955. India also supported Mongolia’s membership of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

India and Mongolia signed a Treaty of Friendly Relations and Co-operation in February 1994, during Mongolian President Ochirbat's visit to India.

Defence cooperation 

India and Mongolia also have good defence ties. A  Joint Working Group for defence cooperation has been set up between the two countries, which meets every year.

The Joint India-Mongolia exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is held every year.

India regularly participates in the multilateral exercise “Khan Quest” and contributes to the regular training of Mongolian officers.

About Mongolia 

Mongolia is a landlocked country situated in north Central Asia. It is surrendered by Russia in the north and China in the south.

It is mainly a Buddhist country which follows Tibetan Buddhism. 

Capital Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator)

Currency :Tugrik 

Prime Minister: Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene