12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group Meeting Strengthens Bilateral Defence Ties in Ulaanbaatar

The 12th Joint Working Group meeting between India and Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar strengthened bilateral defence cooperation, emphasizing mutual trust and a commitment to deeper collaboration for the future.

The 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia convened in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024. This significant gathering was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in India, and Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj, State Secretary of MoD in Mongolia. The meeting also saw the participation of India’s Ambassador to Mongolia, Shri Atul Malhari Gotsurve.

Both sides expressed contentment with the ongoing defence cooperation, reviewing progress on various bilateral initiatives and brainstorming ways to further bolster collaboration in these areas. In addition to this, they engaged in discussions about the prevailing geopolitical scenario.

During the meeting, the Joint Secretary underscored the potential of India's defence industry and expressed eagerness for a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Mongolia. The Mongolian delegation reciprocated by expressing confidence in the capabilities of the Indian industry. Both parties also acknowledged the deepening ties between their nations.

Apart from the official sessions, the Indian delegation, including the Joint Secretary and the Indian Ambassador, held talks with Mr. B Bayarmagnai, Deputy Defence Minister of Mongolia, to discuss bilateral cooperation matters. Furthermore, they visited a training establishment in Ulaanbaatar to inspect ongoing engagements.

India and Mongolia share longstanding historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, considering each other as ‘Spiritual Neighbours’. In contemporary times, shared values such as democracy, freedom, and market economy serve to strengthen the bond between the two nations.

The 12th JWG meeting between India and Mongolia not only reaffirmed their commitment to fostering defence cooperation but also set the stage for deeper collaboration in the future. With a shared vision and mutual respect, the partnership between India and Mongolia is poised to reach greater heights in the years to come.