New Delhi, May 17 (FN Bureau) India and Mongolia reviewed progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance cooperation. They exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation at the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia that took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, a Defence Ministry statement said here.The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary, MoD, India Amitabh Prasad and State Secretary of MoD, Mongolia Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj. India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve also attended the meeting.
The Joint Secretary highlighted the potential of the capacity and capability of the Indian defence industry and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Mongolia, which the Mongolian side acknowledged. The Joint Secretary and the Indian Ambassador also called on Deputy Defence Minister of Mongolia B Bayarmagnai, and discussed bilateral cooperation issues. The delegation visited a training establishment in Ulaanbaatar and reviewed the ongoing engagements. India enjoys age-old historical, cultural and civilisational ties with Mongolia. Both countries regard each other as ‘Spiritual Neighbours’. In the modern times, values like democracy, freedom and market economy hold the two nations closer.