India-Mongolia Ties Strengthened as PM Modi Announces Sending of Lord Buddha’s Relics to Mongolia
New Delhi, October 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underlined the deep spiritual and cultural ties between India and Mongolia, announcing that India will send the holy relics of Lord Buddha’s two disciples — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana — to Mongolia next year.
Addressing a joint press conference with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi said the relationship between the two nations goes far beyond diplomacy, rooted in centuries-old bonds of faith and spirituality.
“The relationship between India and Mongolia is not merely diplomatic — it is a bond of warmth and spirituality. The true depth and breadth of our relationship is reflected in our people-to-people ties. For centuries, both countries have been bound by the thread of Buddhism, which has led to us being called spiritual siblings,” PM Modi said.
He further announced that India will also send a Sanskrit teacher to Mongolia’s Gandan Monastery to promote deeper study of Buddhist texts and to carry forward the ancient tradition of knowledge exchange.
Highlighting Nalanda University’s historical role in nurturing Buddhism in Mongolia, PM Modi said that both nations have agreed to establish a formal connection between Nalanda and Gandan Monastery.
Earlier in the day, President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, planting a banyan sapling in memory of his late mother. PM Modi remarked that the act would stand as a symbol of “our deep friendship and shared commitment to the environment for generations to come.”
Welcoming President Khurelsukh and his delegation, PM Modi noted that this visit marks an important milestone — 70 years of diplomatic relations and 10 years of the Strategic Partnership between India and Mongolia. On the occasion, the two countries issued a joint postal stamp, celebrating their shared heritage.
In another significant announcement, PM Modi declared that India will provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens and sponsor the annual visit of young cultural ambassadors from Mongolia to India.
Recalling his 2015 visit to Ulaanbaatar, PM Modi said, “Ten years ago, during my visit to Mongolia, we elevated our partnership to a Strategic Partnership. Over the past decade, this partnership has gained new depth and breadth in every aspect. Our defence and security cooperation is also steadily strengthening.”
The series of initiatives announced during the bilateral talks aim to strengthen the long-standing bond between the two countries — one that is anchored in mutual respect, shared spiritual values, and a vision for deeper regional cooperation.