EAM Jaishankar Meets Mongolian Prime Minister at SCO Summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently held a meeting with Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad. This interaction was aimed at enhancing India-Mongolia bilateral ties, and Jaishankar shared his thoughts about the meeting on social media.

Strengthening India-Mongolia Relations

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar expressed his delight in discussing ways to further solidify the partnership between the two nations. He wrote, “Delighted to meet PM @oyunerdenemn of Mongolia on the sidelines of SCO Summit. Discussed strengthening our bilateral partnership.”

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of India and Mongolia to deepen cooperation in various fields, including politics, culture, and economics. The historical bond between the two countries, which dates back over 2,000 years, was acknowledged during the discussions.

Jaishankar’s Arrival in Islamabad for the SCO Summit

Earlier on Tuesday, Jaishankar arrived in Islamabad to participate in the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the SCO. He was warmly received at Nur Khan Airbase by Ilyas Mehmood Nizami, Director General (South Asia) of Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The SCO CHG, the second highest decision-making forum within the organisation, is chaired this year by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO CHG for 2023-24 at the previous meeting held in Bishkek in October 2023. This meeting is expected to focus on strengthening trade and economic cooperation among member countries.

India’s Role in the SCO and Commitment to Multilateral Diplomacy

India’s participation in the SCO Summit underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy. Speaking about his visit, Jaishankar made it clear that India’s focus was on its role within the SCO and that the visit was not intended to address bilateral relations with Pakistan. This reflects India’s ongoing efforts to promote stability and prosperity through dialogue within the multilateral framework of the SCO.

Established in 2001, the SCO is a key platform for political, economic, and security cooperation in the region. Member states include Pakistan, China, India, Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus, with 16 countries holding observer or dialogue partner status.

Historical Ties Between India and Mongolia

India and Mongolia share a strong historical and cultural connection, with interactions spanning over 2,000 years. Formal diplomatic relations were established on December 24, 1955, and India became the first country outside the Socialist bloc to recognise Mongolia’s sovereignty. Since then, both nations have continued to build on their relationship, deepening their ties across various sectors.

The partnership between India and Mongolia was elevated to a strategic level during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mongolia in 2015. This visit paved the way for enhanced collaboration in political, economic, and cultural spheres.

The Indian Community in Mongolia

The Indian community in Mongolia is relatively small, with around 200 people, many of whom are involved in organised sectors or self-employed, such as running Indian restaurants. Despite its size, this community plays a key role in maintaining the cultural and economic connection between the two nations.

Jaishankar’s meeting with the Mongolian Prime Minister at the SCO Summit highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-Mongolia partnership, while also reflecting India’s active participation in regional diplomacy through multilateral platforms like the SCO.