12th India-Mongolia Joint Working Group Meeting to Bolster Bilateral Defence Ties Held in Ulaanbaatar

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

During the JWG, both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. They reviewed the progress of various bilateral defence initiatives and identified ways to further enhance cooperation, articulating steps to this end. Additionally, they exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation.

Shri Amitabh Prasad highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry’s capacity and capability, anticipating a fruitful partnership with the Mongolian Armed Forces. The Mongolian side expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Indian defence industry. Both sides acknowledged the growing ties between the two countries.

The Joint Secretary and the Indian Ambassador also met with Deputy Defence Minister of Mongolia, Mr. B Bayarmagnai, to discuss bilateral cooperation issues. The delegation visited a training establishment in Ulaanbaatar and reviewed ongoing engagements.

India and Mongolia enjoy age-old historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, with both countries regarding each other as ‘Spiritual Neighbours.’ In modern times, shared values such as democracy, freedom, and a market economy have brought the two nations closer together.