INDIA AND MONGOLIA: SPIRITUAL NEIGHBOURS AND PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India I am eagerly looking forward to visit Mongolia. It is a nation that reflects the beauty and vastness of our planet in full glory. The great Mongolian people have had profound influence on the course of human history and occupy a unique place in human imagination. I am coming to Mongolia in reverence for our shared spiritual heritage and in celebration of our relationship. And, to say to the people of Mongolia: We deeply cherish our relationship with Mongolia and we will do everything to nurture and strengthen it. It is a special privilege to visit Mongolia as we celebrate 25 years of Mongolian democracy and 60 years of our diplomatic relations. Relations between India and Mongolia have transcended the barriers of geography and stretch back into the annals of history. For more than a millennium, generations of monks and preachers crossed difficult terrains and long distances to spread the message of Lord Buddha in this land. Centuries ago, when human horizons and mobility were limited, Mongols connected Asia and Europe. In the process, our own histories intersected in ways that remain a shining part of the rich tapestry of India Today, we are proud to be described by the people of Mongolia as "spiritual neighbours". There can be no higher form of neighborliness; and, we deeply value and honour this sacred bond. It lives through the 200 Mongolians who study and train in India and hundreds of Buddhist monks who come for their spiritual education every year. It is now invigorated by the fraternal feelings of democracy. Our bonds show in our solidarity and support for each other in international forums, including the United Nations, whether it was India's support for Mongolia's membership of the United Nations or Mongolia's early endorsement of India's candidature for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. And, it is evident in our shared efforts to expand our relations in diverse areas, from economic partnership and civil nuclear agreement to security cooperation. President Elbegdorj's choice of India as his first destination abroad in 2009 was not only a great honour for India, but it was also a testimony of our special and unique relationship. India and Mongolia have demonstrated that the bonds of hearts and minds can be a more durable bridge than just proximity or links of commerce. Yet, we can also look forward with confidence to a stronger economic partnership in the future. A year ago, a nation of 1.25 billion people voted decisively for stability and change in the largest democratic election in human history. It reflected the aspirations of an increasingly young India, with 800 million youth under the age of 35 years, eager to pursue their dreams and confident in their ability to do so. Our government has worked with speed, resolve and ambition to redeem our pledge and to fully harness the boundless potential of enormous scale, enterprise and resources in our economy. We have turned India into one of the fastest growing major economies in the world, with the potential to grow even faster than the 7.5% growth we have registered in past months. In India, the land of Buddha and of an ancient belief in the world as one family, we see our progress as an opportunity to enhance our partnership with the world and as a means to contribute to the larger global good. So, as we transform the lives of people in India, we also create possibilities for the world and the capacity to help our friends. Mongolia is a land of vast resources and enterprises. And, it is now recording impressive growth. It is part of the dynamic Asia Pacific Region. And, it can also flourish in the rapidly expanding cyber economy, which has made location irrelevant. The possibilities of our partnership are vast and varied. Our trade and investment relations will expand. India is a huge market for Mongolia's rich mineral resources. As the largest dairy producer in the world, India can help usher in a white revolution across the steppes of Mongolia. We will also help Mongolian youth prosper in the rapidly expanding digital world and keep it secure from cyber threats. We can work together for affordable and modern healthcare in Mongolia, even as we together re-discover the strength of our traditional medicines. At the heart of our development partnership with Mongolia is the belief that investments in human resources and institutions strengthens a nation's independence of choice and its ability to shoulder the responsibility for its progress. We remain deeply committed to expanding this partnership. I intend to explore all areas of our partnership during my visit. The real strength of our relationship lies in the goodwill between our people and in the faith that unites us across this distance. It is a strength that can do more than just draw our two countries closer. It can help advance peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the Pacific Region. The values of Buddhism and the ideals of democracy are consistent with each other. They embody the message of co-existence, dialogue, compassion, respect for human rights, adherence to rule of law, peaceful settlement of differences and the acceptance of fundamental inter-dependence in this world. There was a time when the messengers of Lord Buddha linked Asia with his message of love and compassion. Their footprints and their message have endured the passage of time. Today, we need that ancient wisdom to unite our continent of diversity behind a common vision for the sake of our shared future. A journey becomes more enjoyable in the company of those with shared values. The enterprise becomes more successful in partnership of those with shared vision. In striving for their progress and a peaceful world, India and Mongolia have a natural partnership of shared endeavours.