Modi on historic visit to Mongolia; offers $1 bn credit

Ulan Bator, May 17, 2015: India and Mongolia on Sunday elevated their 60-year-old diplomatic ties to a strategic partnership as Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit the landlocked northeast Asian nation, which has declared India as its "third neighbour and spiritual neighbour". The two countries inked 13 agreements, including in the sphere of air services and cyber security. Modi, who was accorded a ceremonial welcome in the morning and held talks with Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed Saikhanbileg, also visited the Gandan Monastery and presented a sapling of the revered Mahabodhi tree to the head abbot Hamba Lama of the monastery. More than half the population of Mongolia, which is sandwiched between China and Russia and shares frosty ties with both, follows Buddhism. Saikhanbileg, in his media statement after the talks at the State Palace, said Mongolia "firmly regards India as our third neighbour and our spiritual neighbour". Modi announced a $1 billion line of credit to Mongolia for its infrastructure projects. He said: "Mongolia is an integral part of India's Act East Policy. The destinies of India and Mongolia are closely linked with the future of Asia Pacific Region." Modi thanked Mongolia for its "strong support" for India's bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. A joint statement issued here said India and Mongolia have agreed to offer reciprocal support for their bids for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC for the terms 2021-2022 and 2023-2024 respectively. The government of India also confirmed its support to Mongolia's candidacy to the UN Human Rights Council for the term 2016-2018. "In a reflection of our commitment to further deepen our relationship, we have decided to upgrade our Comprehensive Partnership to 'Strategic Partnership'. We also agreed to renew our Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation," he said.