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Abstract
Mongolia and India have recently celebrated 60 years of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 24 December 2015, indications are high that the developing relations between two countries is moving forward against a backdrop of growing Chinese manipulation in the Northeast Asian region. On 17th May 2015 during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ulaanbaatar, the two countries declared developing strategic relationship. Although such a raise of bilateral ties from comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership is influenced by several factors, India’s willingness to have its presence felt in Northeast Asia is also a key aspect.. After Narendra Modi took over power, India’s foreign policy has taken new directions not only towards its neighbours but also towards its extended neighbourhood. This is more so because Northeast Asia is becoming a major factor in India’s strategic vision in the East Asian region, especially after the ‘Look East’ Policy was changed in to ‘Act East’ Policy in November 2014.[i] With this new policy Northeast Asia also came into prominence in India’s foreign policy.
Mongolia and India have maintained close historic-cultural ties since ancient times, notwithstanding physical barrier. Based on common Asian heritage and Buddhist culture their traditional relations were further cemented by the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1955. The two nations have interacted through the medium of Buddhism over a period of 2500 years.[ii] It was due to advent of Buddhism that India was well known in the Mongolian Steppe of Central Asia long before the appearance of the Mongols into the historical arena. Buddhism that reached there through Central Asia from its original homeland in India played a significant role in the Pre-Mongol period in bringing the ancient nomadic rulers of Mongol Land, familiar with the Indian culture. These linkages are reflected in all human activities from language, literature, religion, medicine and folklore to culture and traditions of the two nations. Such a legacy of traditional linkages based on Buddhism has provided space for regular interaction, assimilation and exchanges between the two countries. This resulted in establishing a very close and friendly relationship in contemporary times so much so that they are today known as “spiritual” neighbours.[iii] Mongolia has been in close contact with India not only on the basis of their traditional relationship but also on the basis of post-Cold War realities that have altered the geostrategic situation of Mongolia in particular, and Northeast Asia in general. Yet, looking back in the post on the developments in the bilateral ties, especially since the establishment of diplomatic relations, one can observe the level of “Trust” the two countries have for mutual benefits in diverse areas.[iv]
[i]Sharad k. Soni (2016), “Mongolia and India: A Strategic Partnership in the Making” in Sharad K. Soni (eds), Mongolia Today Internal Changes and External Linkages, New Delhi Pentagon Press, pp. 251-264.
[ii]Sharad K. Soni (2009), “India-Mongolia Relations: Implications for Regional Cooperation in North East Asia”, Mongolian & Tibetan Quarterly (Taipei), vol.18, no.2, pp. 50-65.
[iii]Ibid
[iv]Soni (2016), “Mongolia and India”, p. 253.