Defence Minister Rajnath Singh created history by becoming the first Indian defence minister to visit Mongolia ever since India got freedom in 1947. Rajnath and his Mongolian counterpart Lt Gen Saikhanbayar Gursed discussed ways to further enhance the bilateral defence engagements.
Earlier, Mongolia in 2015 had declared India as its strategic partner and ‘spiritual neighbour’ in 2021. During his three-day visit to the East Asian country, Rajnath also inaugurated a Cyber Security Training Centre, built with assistance from India, at the National Defence University. He also laid foundation stone of India-Mongolia Friendship School, to be constructed with Indian assistance.
Amidst fast-evolving global scenario, the two defence ministers also discussed the matter pertaining to regional and global issues of mutual interest. It should be noted that Mongolia shares boundary with Russia and China.
They also reiterated their resolve to reinvigorate the India-Mongolia Joint Working Group (JWG), which will meet in India later this year. He was called on the President of Mongolia and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.
In 2018, they had laid the foundation stone for the ongoing Oil Refinery project being undertaken by assistance from India. He also met the chairman of state Great Khural of Mongolia G Zandanshatar. From Mongolia, the defence minister will fly to Japan to participate in second India-Japan 2+2 ministerial dialogue along with foreign minister S Jaishankar in Tokyo on September 8.
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