ULAANBAATAR — Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from June 22 to June 23, 2026, engaging in diplomatic discussions and advancing bilateral agreements. During his visit, he met with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Mongolian Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh, and Byambatsogt Sandag, chair of Mongolia's State Great Khural, to discuss cooperation in governance and legislative matters.

Jaishankar stated that Mongolia and India are "strategic partners" and "spiritual siblings." The Foreign Ministry of Mongolia said: "This visit is of great significance in strengthening the 'Strategic Partnership' between the two countries, enriching trade and economic cooperation with new ideas and links, and determining the direction of future cooperation."

Jaishankar visited the Mongol Oil Refinery in Dornigovi Province, where India is constructing Mongolia's first greenfield oil refinery financed by a $1.7 billion line of credit. The minister expressed interest in exploring logistical opportunities for Mongolia to export coking coal and other mining products to India. Additionally, he visited the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, stating it is "a symbol of the special and spiritual bond between India and Mongolia." He also said he was "delighted to witness the partnership project for digitization of one million Buddhist manuscripts in action." India and Mongolia had agreed to digitize these manuscripts during Khurelsukh's state visit to New Delhi in 2025.

The two countries formalized agreements by signing memoranda of understanding in various sectors, including cybersecurity, information technology, communications, and digital education. The visit occurred shortly after Mongolia hosted the Khaan Quest annual multinational peacekeeping drill; India has participated in this exercise since 2006. Mongolia also participates in India's Nomadic Elephant military exercise, and New Delhi established a defense attaché in Ulaanbaatar in 2025 as part of the ongoing defense cooperation. This visit aligns with a 10-year strategic roadmap established in 2025 during President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's state visit to New Delhi.