In 2025, Mongolia and the Republic of India are marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Within the framework of cooperation between the two governments, a petroleum refinery has been under construction in Dornogovi Province since 2018 with the support of a concessional loan. For this edition of our Ambassador Interview series, we spoke with H.E. Mr. Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia.
You have been serving as Ambassador to Mongolia for a year and a half now. Could you share with us your first impressions when you arrived in Mongolia?
My first impression about Mongolia is that its a beautiful country with great history and geography. Its eternal blue sky with bright sunshine is a treat to watch. The people looked happy, warm and friendly. I felt and feel honoured to represent the great country of India in the great country of Mongolia.
I heard that you previously served as India’s Ambassador to the DPRK from 2018 to 2021 and at that time were one of India’s youngest ambassadors. Could you share some of your memories from that assignment?
It was a great experience diplomatically and personally. India and DPRK enjoy friendly relations. DPRK is a beautiful country with distinct seasons. The people are talented and caring. I fondly recall my visits to Nampo Port and Kumgang San Tourist places. Pyongyang has many museums and magnificient sites to visit. My elder daughter was born in Pyongyang. I have named her Maitri (meaning Friendship). Geopolitically and Diplomatically it is an important place for any diplomat.
According to your biography, you have traveled to more than 35 countries. Which country, person, or event left the strongest impression on you?
We Diplomats are like ‘Nomads‘ who keep on travelling from one place to the other after every 2 to 3 years. Every person and place has its pluses and minuses. From every place and person I try to learn something . During my stay in Latin America and Caribbean , I felt that people there are lively and they like dance and music. In the USA and Europe one can see decent infrastructure development. In Asia one can see modernity with preservation of cultural elements.In Mongolia, I like the beautiful mix of modernism and nomadic tradition. The Mongolian festival of ‘Tsagaan Saar’ is a classic example of this continuty and change in the society where we can also see the exceptional warmth and hospitality of the Mongolian people. These traditions help to make life joyous, vibrant and and cheerful.
How do you usually spend your free time here in Mongolia?
Even though I don’t get much free time. However, during the free time, I along with my family like to visit tourist places in and near Ulaanbaatar. I read about 4 to 5 e-newspapers on my Tablet and also study financial markets in India and Mongolia.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. What activities have been carried out to commemorate this milestone?
Several activities have already been organised to commemorate the75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries (1955-2025) . Some of them are:
a) The special logo of the Diplomatic anniversary was innaugurated jointly by me and HE Mr N Uchral, Minister and then Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia on 26 January 2025.
b) Embassy of India in collaboration with the Chinggis Khan Museum, Rampur Raza Library, India organised an exclusive exhibition of rare paintings from a 13th century book "Jami Al-Tawarikh-A compendium of Histories" from 7-9 February 2025. These miniature paintings depict the history of Chinggis Khaan, his ancestors and his successors. The exhibition was inaugurated on 7 February 2025 at the prestigious Chinggis Khaan Museum.
c) Embassy of India in collaboration with the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum and State Deputy Cultural Ambassador Foundation organised an exclusive exhibition of Indian Art and Craft from 21 Feb to 01 Mar 2025.
d) The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi, was illuminated with the National Flag of Mongolia on 19 March 2025.
e) The 5th Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 19 March 2025.
f) A national level Indian Dance Competition (Melody of River Ganga) was be held on 5th April 2025 at the Children Palace where more than 450 students participated.
g) On 14 April 2025, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, a Special Conference on the Constitution of Mongolia and India is being organised in collaboration with the Constitutional Court of Mongolia.
h) HE Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia participated in the opening session of the International Conference on India-Mongolia: Celebrating 7 decades of Diplomatic Relations and a Decade of Strategic Partnership organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and Embassy of Mongolia in India at ICWA New Delhi.
i) Embassy of India and Miss Mongolia Association of Mongolia partnered for organising the Miss Mongolia 2025 Competition as part of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Mongolia. During preparatory session, Miss Mongolia contestants had photo-shoot at the Embassy in traditional Indian sarees. The finale and crowning ceremony of the Contest was held on 4th July 2025.
Several other events are also planned like conferences, exchange of high-level visits, issuance of Postal Stamp, etc. Due to all these celebrations, a fresh momentum is being imparted to the existing friendly bilateral ties between India and Mongolia.
How have relations between our two countries developed over the past 70 years?
India and Mongolia are Strategic Partners, Spiritual Siblings and Third Neighbours with centuries old deep civilizational linkages through Buddhism. Of late, 4 Ds Dharma, Democracy, Development Partnership & Digital Development Cooperation, have become pillars of India Mongolia relationship. Historically, India and Mongolia have interacted since antiquity through the shared heritage of Buddhism.
India’s diplomatic relations with Mongolia were established on 24th December 1955 and in January 1956, the first Mongolian Ambassador was posted to New Delhi. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened on 22 February 1971.
Mongolians appreciate India’s support to its membership in United Nations in 1961 which was championed by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1991, India supported Mongolia’s membership to Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Late Ambassador of India to Mongolia, 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche during his 10 years tenure in Mongolia from 1990-2000 contributed immensely to consolidating this legacy of Buddhist connection with India and was instrumental in reviving 100s of Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia and setting up of revered Pethub Monastery in UB city.
The Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation between our two countries signed in 1994 followed by several high level visit at the level of Head of State and Government laid a strong foundation for our bilateral ties. During the historic visit of Prime Minister HE Mr Shri Narendra Modi, in 2015 our friendship was upgraded to the level of Strategic Partnership. India-Mongolia relations are warm and friendly and multifaceted. The ties in the field of Politics, Multilateral Relations, Defence, Science and Technology, Education, Agriculture, Development Partnership, Capacity Building, Culture, Yoga and Buddhism, etc is strengthening continuously. Our bilateral relations are based on the pillars of 4Ds Dharma, Democracy, Development Partnership & Digital Development Cooperation.
Has trade turnover between the two countries increased?
Yes, I am happy to inform that the bilateral trade between our two countries is increasing. I see several Indian company products like Himalaya, Parle, Royal Enfield and several pharmaceutical products in Mongolian market. The bilateral trade in the year 2023 was 65.43 million USD and in the year 2024 it was 110.88 million USD. However, it is still below potential and we need to further enhance it.
Several Indian companies are interested to source coking coal, copper and gold from Mongolia. A direct flight connection between India and Mongolia will be very useful in furtherance of trade, commerce, medical and spiritual tourism, etc. We are continuously working on various options to establish this direct air connectivity.
At what stage is the Oil Refinery Project now?
The Oil Refinery Project which is being constructed with Indian soft loan of USD 1.7 Billion at Dornogobi is progressing well. The first work package of the Project has been successfully handed over to the Mongol Refinery in November 2024. The other three work packages are progressing as per schedule. The Project once completed by 2026 end or early 2027 will ensure energy security of Mongolia and generate thousands of job opportunities for the Mongolian Nationals. The Project is a shining example of India-Mongolia Friendship.
I’m interested in why it has progressed so slowly, what the challenges are, what problems arose, and when the project is expected to be completed.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Kurosuk of Mongolia, this is one of the flagship mega projects we are undertaking in Mongolia. It involves a $1.7 billion soft loan from India and is designed to ensure Mongolia’s energy security, drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and secure energy independence for the nation.
You asked why it is taking time. There are several reasons. First, oil refinery projects worldwide are highly complex and have long gestation periods – it’s not unique to Mongolia.
Second, Mongolia is a landlocked country. Everything that needs to be transported takes much longer. If Mongolia had access to a port city, goods could have arrived much faster and more efficiently. Being landlocked naturally adds logistical challenges.
Third, Mongolia experiences severe winters, which limits the working season to about six to seven months a year. This restricted construction window also contributes to delays.
Despite these challenges, I am pleased to report that the project is now progressing smoothly. In August, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Mr. Damdinnyam, and I visited the refinery site and were impressed by the progress. The project is divided into four work packages. The first package has already been completed and handed over to the Mongol refinery, while the remaining three are proceeding well.
This is a massive project, and it will bring Mongolia to a new level of industrialization, benefiting the nation greatly. It also stands as a strong symbol of India-Mongolia friendship. Personally, it is my top priority during my tenure as ambassador.
In 2025, Mongolia and the Republic of India are marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Within the framework of cooperation between the two governments, a petroleum refinery has been under construction in Dornogovi Province since 2018 with the support of a concessional loan. For this edition of our Ambassador Interview series, we spoke with H.E. Mr. Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia.
You have been serving as Ambassador to Mongolia for a year and a half now. Could you share with us your first impressions when you arrived in Mongolia?
My first impression about Mongolia is that its a beautiful country with great history and geography. Its eternal blue sky with bright sunshine is a treat to watch. The people looked happy, warm and friendly. I felt and feel honoured to represent the great country of India in the great country of Mongolia.
I heard that you previously served as India’s Ambassador to the DPRK from 2018 to 2021 and at that time were one of India’s youngest ambassadors. Could you share some of your memories from that assignment?
It was a great experience diplomatically and personally. India and DPRK enjoy friendly relations. DPRK is a beautiful country with distinct seasons. The people are talented and caring. I fondly recall my visits to Nampo Port and Kumgang San Tourist places. Pyongyang has many museums and magnificient sites to visit. My elder daughter was born in Pyongyang. I have named her Maitri (meaning Friendship). Geopolitically and Diplomatically it is an important place for any diplomat.
According to your biography, you have traveled to more than 35 countries. Which country, person, or event left the strongest impression on you?
We Diplomats are like ‘Nomads‘ who keep on travelling from one place to the other after every 2 to 3 years. Every person and place has its pluses and minuses. From every place and person I try to learn something . During my stay in Latin America and Caribbean , I felt that people there are lively and they like dance and music. In the USA and Europe one can see decent infrastructure development. In Asia one can see modernity with preservation of cultural elements.In Mongolia, I like the beautiful mix of modernism and nomadic tradition. The Mongolian festival of ‘Tsagaan Saar’ is a classic example of this continuty and change in the society where we can also see the exceptional warmth and hospitality of the Mongolian people. These traditions help to make life joyous, vibrant and and cheerful.
How do you usually spend your free time here in Mongolia?
Even though I don’t get much free time. However, during the free time, I along with my family like to visit tourist places in and near Ulaanbaatar. I read about 4 to 5 e-newspapers on my Tablet and also study financial markets in India and Mongolia.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. What activities have been carried out to commemorate this milestone?
Several activities have already been organised to commemorate the75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries (1955-2025) . Some of them are:
a) The special logo of the Diplomatic anniversary was innaugurated jointly by me and HE Mr N Uchral, Minister and then Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia on 26 January 2025.
b) Embassy of India in collaboration with the Chinggis Khan Museum, Rampur Raza Library, India organised an exclusive exhibition of rare paintings from a 13th century book "Jami Al-Tawarikh-A compendium of Histories" from 7-9 February 2025. These miniature paintings depict the history of Chinggis Khaan, his ancestors and his successors. The exhibition was inaugurated on 7 February 2025 at the prestigious Chinggis Khaan Museum.
c) Embassy of India in collaboration with the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum and State Deputy Cultural Ambassador Foundation organised an exclusive exhibition of Indian Art and Craft from 21 Feb to 01 Mar 2025.
d) The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi, was illuminated with the National Flag of Mongolia on 19 March 2025.
e) The 5th Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 19 March 2025.
f) A national level Indian Dance Competition (Melody of River Ganga) was be held on 5th April 2025 at the Children Palace where more than 450 students participated.
g) On 14 April 2025, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, a Special Conference on the Constitution of Mongolia and India is being organised in collaboration with the Constitutional Court of Mongolia.
h) HE Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia participated in the opening session of the International Conference on India-Mongolia: Celebrating 7 decades of Diplomatic Relations and a Decade of Strategic Partnership organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and Embassy of Mongolia in India at ICWA New Delhi.
i) Embassy of India and Miss Mongolia Association of Mongolia partnered for organising the Miss Mongolia 2025 Competition as part of the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between India and Mongolia. During preparatory session, Miss Mongolia contestants had photo-shoot at the Embassy in traditional Indian sarees. The finale and crowning ceremony of the Contest was held on 4th July 2025.
Several other events are also planned like conferences, exchange of high-level visits, issuance of Postal Stamp, etc. Due to all these celebrations, a fresh momentum is being imparted to the existing friendly bilateral ties between India and Mongolia.
How have relations between our two countries developed over the past 70 years?
India and Mongolia are Strategic Partners, Spiritual Siblings and Third Neighbours with centuries old deep civilizational linkages through Buddhism. Of late, 4 Ds Dharma, Democracy, Development Partnership & Digital Development Cooperation, have become pillars of India Mongolia relationship. Historically, India and Mongolia have interacted since antiquity through the shared heritage of Buddhism.
India’s diplomatic relations with Mongolia were established on 24th December 1955 and in January 1956, the first Mongolian Ambassador was posted to New Delhi. The Indian Resident Mission in Ulaanbaatar was opened on 22 February 1971.
Mongolians appreciate India’s support to its membership in United Nations in 1961 which was championed by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1991, India supported Mongolia’s membership to Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Late Ambassador of India to Mongolia, 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche during his 10 years tenure in Mongolia from 1990-2000 contributed immensely to consolidating this legacy of Buddhist connection with India and was instrumental in reviving 100s of Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia and setting up of revered Pethub Monastery in UB city.
The Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation between our two countries signed in 1994 followed by several high level visit at the level of Head of State and Government laid a strong foundation for our bilateral ties. During the historic visit of Prime Minister HE Mr Shri Narendra Modi, in 2015 our friendship was upgraded to the level of Strategic Partnership. India-Mongolia relations are warm and friendly and multifaceted. The ties in the field of Politics, Multilateral Relations, Defence, Science and Technology, Education, Agriculture, Development Partnership, Capacity Building, Culture, Yoga and Buddhism, etc is strengthening continuously. Our bilateral relations are based on the pillars of 4Ds Dharma, Democracy, Development Partnership & Digital Development Cooperation.
Has trade turnover between the two countries increased?
Yes, I am happy to inform that the bilateral trade between our two countries is increasing. I see several Indian company products like Himalaya, Parle, Royal Enfield and several pharmaceutical products in Mongolian market. The bilateral trade in the year 2023 was 65.43 million USD and in the year 2024 it was 110.88 million USD. However, it is still below potential and we need to further enhance it.
Several Indian companies are interested to source coking coal, copper and gold from Mongolia. A direct flight connection between India and Mongolia will be very useful in furtherance of trade, commerce, medical and spiritual tourism, etc. We are continuously working on various options to establish this direct air connectivity.
At what stage is the Oil Refinery Project now?
The Oil Refinery Project which is being constructed with Indian soft loan of USD 1.7 Billion at Dornogobi is progressing well. The first work package of the Project has been successfully handed over to the Mongol Refinery in November 2024. The other three work packages are progressing as per schedule. The Project once completed by 2026 end or early 2027 will ensure energy security of Mongolia and generate thousands of job opportunities for the Mongolian Nationals. The Project is a shining example of India-Mongolia Friendship.
I’m interested in why it has progressed so slowly, what the challenges are, what problems arose, and when the project is expected to be completed.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Kurosuk of Mongolia, this is one of the flagship mega projects we are undertaking in Mongolia. It involves a $1.7 billion soft loan from India and is designed to ensure Mongolia’s energy security, drive economic growth, create thousands of jobs, and secure energy independence for the nation.
You asked why it is taking time. There are several reasons. First, oil refinery projects worldwide are highly complex and have long gestation periods – it’s not unique to Mongolia.
Second, Mongolia is a landlocked country. Everything that needs to be transported takes much longer. If Mongolia had access to a port city, goods could have arrived much faster and more efficiently. Being landlocked naturally adds logistical challenges.
Third, Mongolia experiences severe winters, which limits the working season to about six to seven months a year. This restricted construction window also contributes to delays.
Despite these challenges, I am pleased to report that the project is now progressing smoothly. In August, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Mr. Damdinnyam, and I visited the refinery site and were impressed by the progress. The project is divided into four work packages. The first package has already been completed and handed over to the Mongol refinery, while the remaining three are proceeding well.
This is a massive project, and it will bring Mongolia to a new level of industrialization, benefiting the nation greatly. It also stands as a strong symbol of India-Mongolia friendship. Personally, it is my top priority during my tenure as ambassador.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is advancing with the motto of Reform, Perform, and Transform. From the Covid crisis to global economic uncertainties, we have endeavoured to convert challenges into opportunities.