India and Mongolia Forge a New Energy Axis www.nationalinterest.org

The recent four-day state visit of Mongolia’s President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa to India opened a new phase in cooperation between India’s growing energy ambitions and Mongolia’s resource potential. As India and Mongolia celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the visit underscores the evolution of a relationship rooted in spiritual and cultural affinities into one shaped by resource strategy and geopolitical foresight.
From India’s perspective, Mongolia has emerged as a natural strategic partner—its “Third-Neighbor” foreign-policy orientation aligning with India’s ambition to build new bridges in Eurasia. For Mongolia, India delivers not only a technological and financial partnership but also a diversifier away from traditional dependencies.
At the heart of this shift is one flagship initiative: India’s largest foreign-development commitment to date—a $1.7 billion line of credit extended to Mongolia in 2018 to support the country’s first oil refinery project. When operational, the refinery—designed to process 1.5 million tons of crude per year (approximately 30,000 barrels per day)—is expected to satisfy some 50–66 percent of Mongolia’s domestic demand for refined petroleum products. This is transformative for a country that currently relies heavily on Russian imports.
But beneath this headline lies a broader agenda of resource diversification, critical minerals logistics, energy transition, and regional connectivity—and it is here that the real promise (and risk) lies.
Mongolia’s Coal and Oil Foundation
During the visit, the two governments signed 10 memoranda of understanding covering a spectrum of areas—from digital and cultural exchanges to geology and mineral resources cooperation. Among them was a landmark MoU on geology and mineral resources, which frames Mongolia as a potential export hub for India’s coking coal, copper, and other critical inputs for its steel and technology sectors.
That India is actively exploring Mongolian coking-coal imports is no surprise. India remains one of the world’s largest steel producers and relies on imported metallurgical coal; diversifying away from Australia and lowering supply-chain risk is a strategic imperative. Mongolia, by contrast, has over half of its exports by volume in coal and is eager for new markets beyond China—presenting a classic win-win. The main impediment: land-locked geography, which forces exports either through Russia or China—each presenting cost and geopolitical complexity.
On the refinery front, progress is clear: engineering teams are engaged; timelines have been announced; Mongolia is moving from ambition to execution. Yet the bigger value will emerge when India-Mongolia cooperation shifts from energy-security optics to integrated value-chains: refining becomes petrochemicals, mining becomes processing, connectivity becomes corridors.
Future Horizons of India-Mongolia Energy Cooperation
What could lie ahead? 
First: The refinery is just the opening act. The next step could involve downstream integration—the supply of refined products into Mongolia’s markets, export to neighboring Central Asian and Chinese demand centers, and eventual value-added petrochemicals. For India, exporting its engineering, project-execution, and training capability to Mongolia creates a long-term advantage in Eurasia.
Second: The critical minerals corridor. With India’s steel ambitions rising and uncertainty in coal and metal supply chains increasing, Mongolia offers an alternative source of high-grade coking coal and potentially rare-earth minerals. The stumbling block remains transport. If India and Mongolia (with Russia as a transit partner) can build cost-effective corridors, the two could pioneer a “Mongolia-India Raw Materials Bridge.”
Third: Leapfrogging renewables and green energy. Mongolia has huge solar and wind potential, and the country recently joined the International Solar Alliance, an intergovernmental organization headquartered in India. India brings technical depth, manufacturing ambition, and global green-energy diplomacy. A partnership here could position Mongolia not only as a domestic supplier, but also as an exporter of clean power or hydrogen derivatives—with India participating as investor, off‐taker, or market link. 
Fourth: Strategic connectivity and logistics. Neither Mongolia nor India is served by simply signing treaties. The deliverables will be physical: rail and port links, transit-clearance frameworks, joint infrastructure finance, customs-streamlining, and risk mitigation for extreme-climate operations. The landlocked challenge looms large; solving it will define whether ambition translates into delivery.
Fifth: Institutional and private-sector operationalization. MoUs are important, but success will depend on mobilizing Indian private-sector players, creating joint-venture vehicles, aligning financing frameworks (line-of-credit, multilateral, bilateral), adapting to Mongolia’s severe climate, short construction window, and ensuring that local capacity and regulatory regimes are robust, transparent, and trusted.
Challenges for India-Mongolia Cooperation
This pathway is far from smooth. Mongolia’s remote geography, its harsh climate, and the fact that everything must transit through another power (Russia or China) increase cost and risk. The refinery’s capacity (30,000 bpd) is modest by global standards, and while meaningful for Mongolia, it does not immediately elevate the country to a major regional energy hub. For India, the scale of trade remains small; Mongolia’s trade with India was negligible (less than 0.5 percent of total trade turnover in 2024) compared to its exposure to China (69.7 percent)—underscoring the significant ground that needs to be covered.
Furthermore, project-execution risk is real. Large infrastructure projects in remote areas have a track record of delays, budget overruns, and governance challenges. The mining operation faces scrutiny concerning its environmental and social impacts and requires Mongolia to stabilize its regulatory regime, particularly given frequent law amendments in the mining sector. Geopolitically, both sides must navigate the tug-of-war between Russia, China, and India over corridors, transit, and influence.
The Emerging Global South Energy Axis
For India, the India-Mongolia energy axis represents a subtle but meaningful shift: from “fuel-security for India only” to “mutual, strategic, Global South cooperation.” In other words, Mongolia is not just a customer or supplier—but a co-partner in building new regional supply-chains, new corridors and new resource-alliances. It speaks to a future where India is not simply plugged into global energy markets, but co-creating them.
For Mongolia, partnering with India offers more than a project or a loan: it diversifies partners, supports industrial development, provides access to global value chains, and serves as a hedge against over-dependence on any single neighbor. If the refinery and the raw-material deals bear fruit, Mongolia could re-position itself as a lynchpin in Eurasian energy and mineral networks.
The president’s visit has lit the lamp. The infrastructure deals, MoUs, and shared declarations provide a foundation. What remains now is the sprint from ambition to execution, from symbolism to structural change. If India and Mongolia can surmount the logistics, governance, and financing challenges, they could jointly script a new chapter in energy cooperation in Eurasia.
In short, this is not just a refinery or a coal deal. It’s a strategic platform for the next decade of energy transition and resource resilience in the Global South. To miss the moment would be to let a potentially game-changing partnership drift into another line on paper. Neither India nor Mongolia, with its strategic horizon, can afford that.
About the Authors: Piyush Verma and Telmen Altanshagai
Dr. Piyush Verma is a senior fellow at ORF America, where he leads the organization’s work on energy and climate policy. With over two decades of experience, his research and advisory portfolio sit at the intersection of technology, economics, society, governance, and geopolitics, advancing policy solutions for a just and sustainable energy transition. Dr. Verma holds a doctorate degree in Energy Technology and Policy from the University of Auckland, New Zealand; a master’s degree in Public Administration as an Edward S. Mason Fellow from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Tehran Celebrates Mongolian National Pride Day www.montsame.mn

Honorary Consul of Mongolia to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Arman Mohaghegh, hosted a reception in Tehran on November 21 to commemorate the 863rd Anniversary of the Birth of Chinggis Khaan and celebrate the National Pride Day of Mongolia.
In his remarks, Honorary Consul Mohaghegh announced plans to organize cultural events in Iran next year to mark the 820th anniversary of the founding of the Great Mongol Empire and the 770th anniversary of the establishment of the Ilkhanate.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Battsetseg Batmunkh, delivered a virtual congratulatory message, highlighting the longstanding friendly ties, cultural linkages, and advances in trade and economic cooperation.
Representatives of international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, business communities, and Mongolian nationals residing in Iran attended the reception. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event prominently showcased the significance of the 863rd anniversary of the birth of Great Chinggis Khaan and the National Pride Day, a celebration that unites the Mongolian people in pride and solidarity, while further strengthening the traditional friendly relations between Mongolia and Iran.

Mongolia, Switzerland Sign Climate Agreement at COP 30 www.montsame.mn

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) convened in Belém, the Federative Republic of Brazil, from November 6 to 21, 2025.
The Governments of Mongolia and the Swiss Confederation signed a bilateral agreement on November 23 to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Paris Agreement.  
The agreement was signed by Batbaatar Bat, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, and Albert Rösti, Minister of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy, and Communications of Switzerland. During the ceremony, the two ministers exchanged views on enhancing bilateral collaboration in climate policy implementation and the sustainable development initiatives.
This accord builds on commitments made during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Switzerland, commemorated by the state visit of Swiss President Viola Amherst to Mongolia in August 2024. At that time, both sides pledged to intensify cooperation in addressing climate change. In the months that followed, the parties developed draft cooperation documents, engaged in technical consultations, and conducted negotiations that culminated in the formal signing in Belem.
This agreement marks a significant achievement in bilateral climate diplomacy, underscoring the shared commitment between Mongolia and Switzerland to advancing climate resilience, low-carbon development, and strengthening international collaboration within the framework of the Paris Agreement.

OSCE strengthens Mongolia’s capacities to address corruption and money-laundering risks linked to virtual assets www.osce.org

A two-day OSCE workshop held on 13 and 14 November in Ulaanbaatar brought together 27 representatives of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC), the Financial Regulatory Commission, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and other relevant agencies to enhance national capacities in addressing money-laundering risks associated with virtual assets and blockchain-based finance.
The event focused on practical aspects of compliance, supervision, and investigations involving virtual assets. Participants gained hands-on experience in using blockchain analytics tools and explored regulatory and institutional approaches to mitigating emerging risks. This included examining best practices for financial institutions in servicing virtual asset businesses, approaches to due diligence and on-chain transaction monitoring, and the importance of inter-agency co-operation and information exchange in combating illicit finance.
“We are supporting Mongolia in strengthening its regulatory and investigative capacities on virtual assets, helping to ensure a safer and more transparent financial environment for all,” noted Zurab Sanikidze, Senior Project Officer and Project Manager at the OSCE.
“Mongolia continues to take steps in the areas of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering. This support is timely as the virtual asset field continues to evolve and present new challenges,” highlighted Jargalbaatar Chimeddorj, Head of the Investigation Unit and Senior Commissioner at the IAAC, in his opening remarks.
Discussions also addressed Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism  (AML/CFT) supervision of crypto firms under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, collaboration between financial institutions and law enforcement, and effective communication mechanisms for reporting and freezing crypto assets.
The workshop was organized by the OSCE Office of the Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project “Innovative Policy Solutions to Mitigate Money-Laundering Risks of Virtual Assets”. The project receives financial support from the Governments of Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

GDP per Worker Reaches MNT 6.2 Million www.montsame.mn

GDP per worker (at 2015 constant prices) reached MNT 6.2 million in the third quarter of 2025, an increase of MNT 252.9 thousand compared to the same period in 2024.
In particular, GDP per worker in the agriculture sector rose by MNT 584.2 thousand, the services sector by MNT 302.6 thousand, and the manufacturing and construction sector also recorded growth.
By contrast, GDP per worker in the mining and quarrying sector decreased by MNT 940.3 thousand.

This Wednesday is public holiday www.gogo.mn

This Wednesday, November 26, 2025, is a public holiday for Republic Day, the 101st anniversary of the proclamation of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the adoption of Mongolia’s first constitution on November 26, 1924. 
The holiday is observed under Mongolia’s Law on Public Holidays and Anniversaries; the day marks the country’s 1924 transition from a monarchy to a republic and the legal confirmation of major national democratic changes.

Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh www.qazinform.com

Michelle Joseph, the winner of the international vocal competition Silk Way Star, announced her intention to release a song in the Kazakh language, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh

Speaking at a press conference, the singer said she has already begun working on the song.
“I am already working on a Kazakh song. I truly love Kazakh culture, and the language is very beautiful — I want to learn it. From the very beginning, I thought about releasing a song in this language for my Kazakh listeners,” Michelle said.
Michelle also shared plans for a possible collaboration with Kazakhstan’s representative ALEM.
“If there is an opportunity to record a duet, it would be wonderful. I believe Mongolia and Kazakhstan have huge potential to cooperate in showcasing our cultures — not only through music but also cinema, entertainment and other creative spheres,” she added.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh
Phоtо credit: Sоltan Zhexenbekоv/ Kazinfоrm
She expressed gratitude to the contestants and members of the jury for the experience gained throughout the large-scale competition.
“I felt great during the finale, though a little sad that the project had come to an end. Still, I would love to take part again next year,” she noted.
It was also announced during the press conference that the next season of the Silk Way Star vocal project will be hosted in China.

War refugee Aonishiki becomes first Ukrainian to win sumo tournament www.japantimes.co.jp

Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn on Sunday became the first from his nation to win a tournament of the traditional Japanese sport.
The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago, won the Kyushu tournament after a tie-breaking victory over grand champion Hoshoryu from Mongolia.
Known by his ring name Aonishiki Arata and speaking fluent Japanese, he told fans at Fukuoka Kokusai Center in his televised victory interview that he was glad that he was able to show his usual performance.
"I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine," he said.
Yavhusishyn, who arrived in Japan three years ago after fleeing Ukraine, has climbed the sumo ranks at record speed.
The Japan Sumo Association will soon hold a special meeting to promote him to ozeki, the second highest ranking under yokozuna, or grand champion, NHK said.
He competed in the world junior sumo championships as a teenager but left Ukraine after Russia's February 2022 invasion.
He arrived in Japan two months later and made a blistering start to his career, reaching sumo's upper divisions in only a year and winning promotion to the fourth-highest rank.
Yavhusishyn was born in central Ukraine and took up sumo at the age of 7, becoming a national champion at 17.
His age meant he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older when war broke out and he sought refuge in Germany before moving to Japan.
His parents stayed in Germany and he arrived in Japan knowing nothing of the language.
Yavhusishyn became the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler when he made his debut in July 2023, following in the footsteps of compatriot Serhii Sokolovskyi, better known as Shishi.
Yavhusishyn's promotion to sumo's upper divisions was the fifth fastest since the current system of six tournaments a year was introduced in 1958.
The ambitious wrestler said he now has his sights set on reaching the top of the sumo hierarchy.
"I am happy (now) but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that," he said.

Mongolia Celebrates National Pride Day Honoring Chinggis Khaan www.montsame.mn

Mongolia celebrated National Pride Day on November 21, 2025, commemorating the 863rd Anniversary of the Birth of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan, with solemn state ceremonies and tributes in the capital.
The National flag was raised and the State Nine White Banners, a symbol of Mongolian soverignty, were honored on Sukhbaatar Square. The flag was hoisted by the Unit 032 of the Armed Forces together with the State Special Security Forces, while a brass band performed the national anthem.
President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav and Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Uchral Nyam-Osor paid tribute to the statue of Chinggis Khaan in front of the State Palace, honoring the nation’s founder whose legacy continues to inspire Mongolia’s unity and progress.
Marking the occasion, President Khurelsukh conferred the Order of Chinggis Khaan, Mongolia’s highest state decoration, upon distinguished figures. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to strengthening the independence, sovereignty, and national unity of Mongolia, advancing democratic and humanitarian values, fostering social progress, preserving and transmitting the traditions of statehood, history, and culture to future generations, and promoting these values worldwide.
In addition to the official ceremonies, the celebration included traditional wrestling competitions, gala concert, and a cultural exhibition highlighting Mongolian history and culture.
Since 2012, National Pride Day has been observed each year as a public holiday, marking the anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s birth, on the first day of the first winter month in the lunar calendar.

Mongolia launches new South–South Cooperation project to strengthen sustainable soil management www.fao.org

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI) of Mongolia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People's Republic of China, officially launched the project “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.” The initiative aims to strengthen Mongolia’s technical capacity in sustainable soil management and contribute to global efforts to protect and restore agricultural lands and soils.
Implemented under the FAO–China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, the project will enhance Mongolia’s soil laboratory capacity, promote good agricultural practices and facilitate knowledge exchange with partner countries. It will also support research on soil fertility and fertilizer management, the implementation of FAO’s Global Soil Doctor Programme and the adoption of innovative soil monitoring and mapping approaches in Mongolia.
Project document handover from .E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia to Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI
A shared commitment to healthier soils
“This project marks a new phase in FAO–Mongolia-China cooperation” said Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI. “Soil is the foundation of food, life, and livelihoods, yet over 30 percent of the world’s soils are degraded. Protecting Mongolia’s black soils is essential for food security and ecosystem balance”. He noted that the project will play a key role in supporting upcoming international initiatives hosted by Mongolia in 2026, including the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).
H.E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia, emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in safeguarding its soil resources. She noted that China has successfully protected more than 916 000 hectares of black soils and continues to share its experience and best practices through the FAO–China SSC Trust Fund, which has supported 36 projects in over 140 countries.
Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, underlined the global urgency: “Soil degradation affects one-third of the world’s soil resources. This project strengthens Mongolia’s capacity to act and will advance collective action for better soil health and resilient agrifood systems.
Mr Yahui Zhang, Senior Coordinator of FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, commended the collaboration between FAO, Mongolia and China noting that the technologies and experience gained through this FAO-China SSC could be shared and scaled up globally.
Ms. Qingyun Diao, FAO Representative in Mongolia, welcomed participants and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to “working closely with MoFALI and national research institutions to build technical capacity and promote sustainable soil management for a more resilient agrifood sector”.
Broad engagement and visibility
The event drew national media attention, with coverage by the Montsame News Agency and local Television Eagle News. Updates shared on FAO Mongolia and MoFALI social media channels.
The launch of the “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” project marks a renewed commitment by Mongolia, FAO and China to protect one of the planet’s most precious resources: soil. By fostering technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, the initiative will not only support Mongolia’s efforts to build a resilient agrifood system but also contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.