"MY IMPRESSION OF MONGOLIA OVER THESE 2 YEARS IS SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL"
"MY IMPRESSION OF MONGOLIA OVER THESE 2 YEARS IS SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL"
"MY IMPRESSION OF MONGOLIA OVER THESE 2 YEARS IS SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL"
"MY IMPRESSION OF MONGOLIA OVER THESE 2 YEARS IS SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL"
- What events were organized in 2020 during 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India?
- To commemorate the 65th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations, the Embassy adopted a slogan “Shared Heritage, Strategic Partnership and Promising Future” to reflect the past, present and future aspects of India-Mongolia friendship and relationship and drew a list of 30 activities in addition to holding a full scale ‘Festival of India’ in Mongolia as agreed during President Battulga’s visit to India in Sept 2019. However, unfortunately due to sudden and unforeseen Covid pandemic situation, some of the activities could not be held.
But I am glad to inform that notwithstanding pandemic enforced environment, the Embassy of India was still able to organize 12 activities that include Release of a special 65th anniversary commemorative stamp issue by Mongol Post, release of Gold/Silver coin on Mahatma Gandhi by Mongol Bank, Establishment of India-Mongolia Friendship Garden, Holding of India Film Festival in UB and Khovd, Screening of Mongolian dubbed 55 episode Indian TV serial on Lord Buddha on MNB, holding of Painting competition in which 976 Mongolian students participated, Finalization of the site of India-Mongolia Friendship School, Holding of ITEC Day with about 150 Mongolian Alumni/beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, First Student Exchange Programme was took place in January, 2020 and on 3rd Dec 2020, 7th Meeting of Joint Committee for Cooperation took place headed by Indian Foreign Minister and Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr Oyun Erdene. Also on the 65th anniversary day, congratulatory messages were exchanged between Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of our nations.
- Mr. Ambassador you have been 30 years active in foreign service. Please tell our audience your previously engagements and your diplomatic career.
- For me it has been an eventful journey of life traversing diplomatic duties across different nations of the world. During my 32 years of diplomatic service, I served in different capacities in Vietnam, Thailand, Cuba, Canada, UAE and UK and - in the course of my Protocol duties while at New Delhi - I have travelled to 100 plus countries across continents. Vietnam and Cuba were most like language learning posting where I studied Vietnamese and Spanish languages and helped in assimilate with local people and appreciate their culture. In Canada and Dubai – that have large concentration of Indian diaspora of over million, I was heading the Community Outreach and Welfare Wings and in London I was in-charge of Protocol & Special projects that included purchase of properties as well as liaison with local authorities. All last 3 postings were professionally challenging but satisfying as I was able to contribute my 2 cents worth for welfare and betterment of Indian diaspora.
Before assuming charge of Ambassador of India to Mongolia, I was Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, in-charge of holding International conferences and multilateral summit level meetings and was responsible for successfully organizing International Solar Alliance Summit with 26 Heads of State/Government and over 50 Ministers in attendance, India-ASEAN Summit with 10 Presidents/Prime Minister and about 25 Ministers & World Hindi Conference in Mauritius and 2nd Forum of India-Pacific Island Countries in Suva, Fiji.
- What events were organized in 2020 during 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India?
- To commemorate the 65th anniversary of India-Mongolia diplomatic relations, the Embassy adopted a slogan “Shared Heritage, Strategic Partnership and Promising Future” to reflect the past, present and future aspects of India-Mongolia friendship and relationship and drew a list of 30 activities in addition to holding a full scale ‘Festival of India’ in Mongolia as agreed during President Battulga’s visit to India in Sept 2019. However, unfortunately due to sudden and unforeseen Covid pandemic situation, some of the activities could not be held.
But I am glad to inform that notwithstanding pandemic enforced environment, the Embassy of India was still able to organize 12 activities that include Release of a special 65th anniversary commemorative stamp issue by Mongol Post, release of Gold/Silver coin on Mahatma Gandhi by Mongol Bank, Establishment of India-Mongolia Friendship Garden, Holding of India Film Festival in UB and Khovd, Screening of Mongolian dubbed 55 episode Indian TV serial on Lord Buddha on MNB, holding of Painting competition in which 976 Mongolian students participated, Finalization of the site of India-Mongolia Friendship School, Holding of ITEC Day with about 150 Mongolian Alumni/beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, First Student Exchange Programme was took place in January, 2020 and on 3rd Dec 2020, 7th Meeting of Joint Committee for Cooperation took place headed by Indian Foreign Minister and Chief Cabinet Secretary Mr Oyun Erdene. Also on the 65th anniversary day, congratulatory messages were exchanged between Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of our nations.
- Mr. Ambassador you have been 30 years active in foreign service. Please tell our audience your previously engagements and your diplomatic career.
- For me it has been an eventful journey of life traversing diplomatic duties across different nations of the world. During my 32 years of diplomatic service, I served in different capacities in Vietnam, Thailand, Cuba, Canada, UAE and UK and - in the course of my Protocol duties while at New Delhi - I have travelled to 100 plus countries across continents. Vietnam and Cuba were most like language learning posting where I studied Vietnamese and Spanish languages and helped in assimilate with local people and appreciate their culture. In Canada and Dubai – that have large concentration of Indian diaspora of over million, I was heading the Community Outreach and Welfare Wings and in London I was in-charge of Protocol & Special projects that included purchase of properties as well as liaison with local authorities. All last 3 postings were professionally challenging but satisfying as I was able to contribute my 2 cents worth for welfare and betterment of Indian diaspora.
Before assuming charge of Ambassador of India to Mongolia, I was Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, in-charge of holding International conferences and multilateral summit level meetings and was responsible for successfully organizing International Solar Alliance Summit with 26 Heads of State/Government and over 50 Ministers in attendance, India-ASEAN Summit with 10 Presidents/Prime Minister and about 25 Ministers & World Hindi Conference in Mauritius and 2nd Forum of India-Pacific Island Countries in Suva, Fiji.
- International Yoga Day was co-organized by the Embassy of India and Mongolian yoga studios. How does yoga have a positive effect on the lifestyle of Indians? Do you and your family do yoga?
- For the last 5 years, the Embassy has been continuously organizing the International Yoga Day including one at the Sukhbaatar Square even in June 2020 covid enforced challenging times we organized it physically and virtually in June 2020 with participation of 350+ persons from about 28 Yoga Centres in Mongolia.
You rightly said in India Yoga is increasing becoming and it is equally popular in Mongolia considering that it has over 50 Yoga centres. Yoga is holistic way of living, it is simple, inexpensive can be practiced anywhere and has enormous benefits for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. I do practice Yoga in the morning hours with breathing, stretching and other relaxing exercises and have not hesitation in sharing that Yoga connects mind, body and soul in a scientific manner and helps us actualizing our true potential. Yoga is stress buster. Yoga develops positivity, enhances belief in yourself, energize body systems and provides strength of Power of Mind and help in gaining much needed inner calm, peace and tranquility especially in today’s stressful times.
- What are the main export and import products between the two countries and what other products is India interested from Mongolia?
-Well, over the last 5 years India-Mongolia bilateral trade has registered impressive gains notching up an increase of about 80% and it stood at USD 52 million in 2018. The main exports from India are Engineering equipment, Medicines, Active Pharmaceutical produces, ingredients & equipment, Auto parts, IT services, Rice etc. Imports from Mongolia include Raw Cashmere, Yak wool, Animal hair etc. Year 2020, like elsewhere in the world, witnessed contraction of bilateral trade with Mongolia but 2021 onwards we are hopeful of increasing our trade and commercial ties very substantially mainly due to start of the 2 major development partnership projected funded by India namely construction of USD 1.236 billion oil refinery and USD 20 million Centre of Excellence in IT in UB. Major Indian companies SAIL and RNIL are also discussing the possibility of import of Mongolian coking coal and a pilot project is currently being finalized which is likely to further boost trade between our two countries.
- India supplies 60 percent of the world's vaccine production. The AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech vaccines were approved. Have India started vaccinating citizens against Covid-19? And is it possible to supply vaccines to Mongolia?
- Actually, I was anticipating this question and glad to share that on January 16, India will roll out the first phase of World’s largest Covid vaccination programme which in next couple of months will cover 300 million Indian nationals. As is known, just as we ushered New Year 2021, experimental use of Covishield vaccine jointly produced by Serum Institute of India & Astra Zeneca along with Covaxine, an indigenously developed vaccine by Indian company Bharat Biotech was approved by the Indian government.
I would also like to share that in addition to above 2 vaccines, 4 more vaccine candidates are in the different stages of trials in India which gives hope that not only we will be able to vaccinate a large section of India’s population but will also be able to share the Indian manufactured Covid vaccines with friendly nations and strategic partner including Mongolia. And we are very happy to supply vaccines to Mongolia.
- International Yoga Day was co-organized by the Embassy of India and Mongolian yoga studios. How does yoga have a positive effect on the lifestyle of Indians? Do you and your family do yoga?
- For the last 5 years, the Embassy has been continuously organizing the International Yoga Day including one at the Sukhbaatar Square even in June 2020 covid enforced challenging times we organized it physically and virtually in June 2020 with participation of 350+ persons from about 28 Yoga Centres in Mongolia.
You rightly said in India Yoga is increasing becoming and it is equally popular in Mongolia considering that it has over 50 Yoga centres. Yoga is holistic way of living, it is simple, inexpensive can be practiced anywhere and has enormous benefits for physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. I do practice Yoga in the morning hours with breathing, stretching and other relaxing exercises and have not hesitation in sharing that Yoga connects mind, body and soul in a scientific manner and helps us actualizing our true potential. Yoga is stress buster. Yoga develops positivity, enhances belief in yourself, energize body systems and provides strength of Power of Mind and help in gaining much needed inner calm, peace and tranquility especially in today’s stressful times.
- What are the main export and import products between the two countries and what other products is India interested from Mongolia?
-Well, over the last 5 years India-Mongolia bilateral trade has registered impressive gains notching up an increase of about 80% and it stood at USD 52 million in 2018. The main exports from India are Engineering equipment, Medicines, Active Pharmaceutical produces, ingredients & equipment, Auto parts, IT services, Rice etc. Imports from Mongolia include Raw Cashmere, Yak wool, Animal hair etc. Year 2020, like elsewhere in the world, witnessed contraction of bilateral trade with Mongolia but 2021 onwards we are hopeful of increasing our trade and commercial ties very substantially mainly due to start of the 2 major development partnership projected funded by India namely construction of USD 1.236 billion oil refinery and USD 20 million Centre of Excellence in IT in UB. Major Indian companies SAIL and RNIL are also discussing the possibility of import of Mongolian coking coal and a pilot project is currently being finalized which is likely to further boost trade between our two countries.
- India supplies 60 percent of the world's vaccine production. The AstraZeneca and Bharat Biotech vaccines were approved. Have India started vaccinating citizens against Covid-19? And is it possible to supply vaccines to Mongolia?
- Actually, I was anticipating this question and glad to share that on January 16, India will roll out the first phase of World’s largest Covid vaccination programme which in next couple of months will cover 300 million Indian nationals. As is known, just as we ushered New Year 2021, experimental use of Covishield vaccine jointly produced by Serum Institute of India & Astra Zeneca along with Covaxine, an indigenously developed vaccine by Indian company Bharat Biotech was approved by the Indian government.
I would also like to share that in addition to above 2 vaccines, 4 more vaccine candidates are in the different stages of trials in India which gives hope that not only we will be able to vaccinate a large section of India’s population but will also be able to share the Indian manufactured Covid vaccines with friendly nations and strategic partner including Mongolia. And we are very happy to supply vaccines to Mongolia.
- What social and economic measures is India taking against the pandemic?
- As early as in Feb 2020, our government adopted a detailed Covid pandemic combat and management plan to mitigate Covid enforced social and economic impacts. A 68 days nationwide Lock down in 4 phases was enforced which included closure of air transport, domestic train services, non-essential public and private transport, educational institutions, places of worship and prohibiting all social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious activities. This extended lock down enabled our nation not only to contain community spread of pandemic but also to ramp up our medical preparedness and production capacities of critical equipment. Since June 2020, unlocking has been announced again in phased and staggered manner keeping in mind clusters that were affected the most.
It is heartening to note that despite huge population of 1.3 billion, India’s recovery rate has been among the best in the world at 96.4% while the death rate remained among the lowest at 1.45%. While the total positive cases were about 10.34 million over 10 million have also recovered. As regards, economic measures, 2020, thanks to ‘Make in India’ drive of Indian government, India has been nick named as ‘Pharmacy of the World’. You would be surprised to know that in Jan 2020, there was no domestic manufacturing of PPE in the country. By May 2020 India had 111 domestic manufacturers producing 15000 kits at day and production capacity has increased so much that it has become over 1-billion-dollar industry and Indian manufactured PPEs are now exported to a few countries. Similarly, domestic production capacities of N95 masks and Ventilators went up very substantially. Even during Covid times, India attracted an FDI of about USD 30 billion during 2020 confirms the resilience and popularity of Indian market in the world. In the coming months, healthcare related expenditure in the world is likely to rise very significantly and quite naturally, India – as the world’s largest producer of vaccine – will strive to increase its share of global trade in vaccine, medicines & pharmaceutical products.
- Please share your opinion as an ambassador about Mongolian’s current action against COVID-19?
- We are really fortunate enough to be living in Mongolia in these difficutl and challenging times. Thanks to Mongolian Government’s proactive approach in combating Covid pandemic, the situation has been managed and controlled quite effectively and in an appreciable manner. The way SEC and NCCD ramped up level of readiness, arranged testing kits, organized training and periodically shared information in transparent manner, allowed us to have fairly normal life until few weeks back. Till about November, there was no community transmission – and also not a single Covid related death - in Mongolia. I wish to express my appreciation for the Ministry of Health, SEC, NEMA and NCCD whose coordinated response mechanism & management approach helped secure relative safe and healthy environment in Mongolia. The fact that many Aimags have unlocked full and are on the cusp of resuming normal lives including opening of educational institution is a testimony to successful measures of the government.
- What social and economic measures is India taking against the pandemic?
- As early as in Feb 2020, our government adopted a detailed Covid pandemic combat and management plan to mitigate Covid enforced social and economic impacts. A 68 days nationwide Lock down in 4 phases was enforced which included closure of air transport, domestic train services, non-essential public and private transport, educational institutions, places of worship and prohibiting all social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural, religious activities. This extended lock down enabled our nation not only to contain community spread of pandemic but also to ramp up our medical preparedness and production capacities of critical equipment. Since June 2020, unlocking has been announced again in phased and staggered manner keeping in mind clusters that were affected the most.
It is heartening to note that despite huge population of 1.3 billion, India’s recovery rate has been among the best in the world at 96.4% while the death rate remained among the lowest at 1.45%. While the total positive cases were about 10.34 million over 10 million have also recovered. As regards, economic measures, 2020, thanks to ‘Make in India’ drive of Indian government, India has been nick named as ‘Pharmacy of the World’. You would be surprised to know that in Jan 2020, there was no domestic manufacturing of PPE in the country. By May 2020 India had 111 domestic manufacturers producing 15000 kits at day and production capacity has increased so much that it has become over 1-billion-dollar industry and Indian manufactured PPEs are now exported to a few countries. Similarly, domestic production capacities of N95 masks and Ventilators went up very substantially. Even during Covid times, India attracted an FDI of about USD 30 billion during 2020 confirms the resilience and popularity of Indian market in the world. In the coming months, healthcare related expenditure in the world is likely to rise very significantly and quite naturally, India – as the world’s largest producer of vaccine – will strive to increase its share of global trade in vaccine, medicines & pharmaceutical products.
- Please share your opinion as an ambassador about Mongolian’s current action against COVID-19?
- We are really fortunate enough to be living in Mongolia in these difficutl and challenging times. Thanks to Mongolian Government’s proactive approach in combating Covid pandemic, the situation has been managed and controlled quite effectively and in an appreciable manner. The way SEC and NCCD ramped up level of readiness, arranged testing kits, organized training and periodically shared information in transparent manner, allowed us to have fairly normal life until few weeks back. Till about November, there was no community transmission – and also not a single Covid related death - in Mongolia. I wish to express my appreciation for the Ministry of Health, SEC, NEMA and NCCD whose coordinated response mechanism & management approach helped secure relative safe and healthy environment in Mongolia. The fact that many Aimags have unlocked full and are on the cusp of resuming normal lives including opening of educational institution is a testimony to successful measures of the government.
"WE WILL BRING OVER 200 PERSONNELS BY SPECIAL CHARTERED FLIGHT FOR FULL SCALE OPERATIONS OF OIL REFINERY PROJECT"
"WE WILL BRING OVER 200 PERSONNELS BY SPECIAL CHARTERED FLIGHT FOR FULL SCALE OPERATIONS OF OIL REFINERY PROJECT"
- You went back to your homeland with Mongolian President Kh.Battulga in 2019. What were the main agreements reached during the visit?
- The visit of President Battulga to India last year was significant in a way that it consolidated, reinforced and strengthened the ‘strategic partnership’ between India and Mongolia that was initiated during the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mongolia in 2015. Since then, our relationship has expanded beyond the normal realm of cultural ties and expanded into newer areas of economic cooperation of which USD 1.236 billion Oil Refinery is a shining example. A serious of high-level visits during the last 3 years have sustained the momentum of our excellent relationship. In Sept 2019 visit, India and Mongolia formally signed 4 government agreements in the fields of Space Cooperation, Agriculture & Dairy, Cooperation between NEMA and India’s NDMA, Cultural Exchange Programme. In addition, 2 more MoUs were formalized at Business level that have paved the way for expanding our trade and commercial relationship into newer areas of cooperation. It was also agreed in principle to conclude 3 more agreements namely Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) – which are being purused by the Embassy currently and an MoU Cooperation between Election Commissions of India and Mongolia – which has since been signed in August 2020.
- Ambassador we have seen you very keen to Mongolia, our culture, tradition and history. You have lived and worked in Mongolia for almost 2 years. What did you enjoy the most during this time?
- Well my impression of Mongolia over these 2 years is SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL. Mongolia, with its captivating scenic surroundings, pure and untamed nature with some exceptionally friendly and hospitable people, beacons and attracts you instantly. I would call Mongolia as a Hidden Tourist Gem, the last bastion of untamed nature and adventurers’ paradise that has vast & incredible landscapes, snow covered mountains, golden sand dunes, heavenly lakes interspersed with Buddhist chanting in Monasteries. And I must hasten to add that the horses, camels, sheep and hawks that are my personal favourite. I love, admire and appreciate all of Mongolia’s customs and cultural forms that are unique especially hoomi, morin khor and biyelgee. I love going back to Khusgul lake and explore the Gobi deserts any time of the year.
- Indian engineers are working in Dornogovi aimag to build an Oil Refinery Project with a credit line of 1.2 billion USD from India. Please share us latest information about this project?
- It is heartening to note that notwithstanding pandemic enforced environment, India-Mongolia development project of USD 1.236 billion Oil Refinery is progressing well and it has already moved from planning to construction stage. As of Jan 2021, the first team of JMC India has reached Shainshand and they are working onsite closely with the officials of Mongol Refinery and Dornogobi Aimag to execute EPC-1 construction activities. At the same time, Mongol Refinery LLC is in the last mile process of finalizing the Licensors Agreement as well as floating of the 2 separate Tenders for EPC 2 and EPC 3 activities which are likely to be notified in March and April 2021 so that works for construction of refinery could continue to progress as per agreed timelines. Subject to Covid conditions, JMC India is also planning to bring in over 200 personnel from India by special chartered flight in next 1-2 months for full scale operations in Spring of 2021.
- You went back to your homeland with Mongolian President Kh.Battulga in 2019. What were the main agreements reached during the visit?
- The visit of President Battulga to India last year was significant in a way that it consolidated, reinforced and strengthened the ‘strategic partnership’ between India and Mongolia that was initiated during the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Mongolia in 2015. Since then, our relationship has expanded beyond the normal realm of cultural ties and expanded into newer areas of economic cooperation of which USD 1.236 billion Oil Refinery is a shining example. A serious of high-level visits during the last 3 years have sustained the momentum of our excellent relationship. In Sept 2019 visit, India and Mongolia formally signed 4 government agreements in the fields of Space Cooperation, Agriculture & Dairy, Cooperation between NEMA and India’s NDMA, Cultural Exchange Programme. In addition, 2 more MoUs were formalized at Business level that have paved the way for expanding our trade and commercial relationship into newer areas of cooperation. It was also agreed in principle to conclude 3 more agreements namely Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) – which are being purused by the Embassy currently and an MoU Cooperation between Election Commissions of India and Mongolia – which has since been signed in August 2020.
- Ambassador we have seen you very keen to Mongolia, our culture, tradition and history. You have lived and worked in Mongolia for almost 2 years. What did you enjoy the most during this time?
- Well my impression of Mongolia over these 2 years is SIMPLY STUNNING & BEAUTIFUL. Mongolia, with its captivating scenic surroundings, pure and untamed nature with some exceptionally friendly and hospitable people, beacons and attracts you instantly. I would call Mongolia as a Hidden Tourist Gem, the last bastion of untamed nature and adventurers’ paradise that has vast & incredible landscapes, snow covered mountains, golden sand dunes, heavenly lakes interspersed with Buddhist chanting in Monasteries. And I must hasten to add that the horses, camels, sheep and hawks that are my personal favourite. I love, admire and appreciate all of Mongolia’s customs and cultural forms that are unique especially hoomi, morin khor and biyelgee. I love going back to Khusgul lake and explore the Gobi deserts any time of the year.
- Indian engineers are working in Dornogovi aimag to build an Oil Refinery Project with a credit line of 1.2 billion USD from India. Please share us latest information about this project?
- It is heartening to note that notwithstanding pandemic enforced environment, India-Mongolia development project of USD 1.236 billion Oil Refinery is progressing well and it has already moved from planning to construction stage. As of Jan 2021, the first team of JMC India has reached Shainshand and they are working onsite closely with the officials of Mongol Refinery and Dornogobi Aimag to execute EPC-1 construction activities. At the same time, Mongol Refinery LLC is in the last mile process of finalizing the Licensors Agreement as well as floating of the 2 separate Tenders for EPC 2 and EPC 3 activities which are likely to be notified in March and April 2021 so that works for construction of refinery could continue to progress as per agreed timelines. Subject to Covid conditions, JMC India is also planning to bring in over 200 personnel from India by special chartered flight in next 1-2 months for full scale operations in Spring of 2021.
- How many Indians live in Mongolia and what is their main occupation?
- Indian Community in Mongolia is relatively small at about 250-300 but quite well placed and thriving. Most Indians are employed as Teachers, IT professionals, Engineers, Experts, Consultants, Restaurant business owners etc and quite a few of these are married to Mongolians. We see the Indian community in Mongolia as a bridge of our shared culture and heritage and drivers of friendship between our two nations.
- I heard that more than 3,500 young Mongolians are involved in the ITEC program provided by the Government of India. Who is eligible for the program and give us more information about this program?
- Yes, you heard it right that over 3500 Mongolian professionals have been trained in India under ITEC and ICCR scholarship programmes over last 3 decades in fields as diverse as IT to Fintech, Banking Management to Space, Public Governance to English Language, Teachers to Dairy Scientists etc. Some of the beneficiaries hold very high government positions and a few are Members of Parliament also. From 2019 onwards, a group of ITEC beneficiaries have formed an ITEC Alumni Association of Mongolia which strives to promote the India scholarship amongst youth and students. For the year 2021-2022, we have about 200 scholarship slots available for studies in India subject to easing of Covid enforced restrictive travel regime in about 100 premier institutions in over 300 different courses. Basic eligibility for short term ITEC scholarship is age between 25 to 45 years and functional knowledge of English language. All procedures and applications are to be completed online and detailed information, check list, course wise eligibility criteria could be accessed by logging in at the Embassy Website https://eoi.gov.in/ulaanbaatar under icon ‘Scholarship’. Interested persons could also approach Embassy at cons.ulaan@mea.gov.in for any additional clarification.
- The two countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the space sector in September last year. What are the significances of this for both countries?
- Yes, Agreement on Cooperation in Space was signed in Sep 2019 provides the framework for building and further development space science sector in Mongolia for proper exploitation of its vast mining resources & rare earth minerals, promote education, expand telecommunication and telemedicine network, make accurate weather predictions and enhance disaster management capabilities. I feel that signing of this agreement could not have come at a better time, as the first and only satellite of Mongolia – Mazaalai was decommissioned in May 2019 and in a few months’ times Mongolia would be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Mr J Gurragcha's, first Mongolian’s sojourn in space. A group of young Mongolian scientists from MARSA that accompanied President also had fruitful discussions with Indian space scientists in ISRO to explore the possibility of cooperating in developing MARS-on-Earth project and also about launch of a Mongolian communication satellite.
- How many Indians live in Mongolia and what is their main occupation?
- Indian Community in Mongolia is relatively small at about 250-300 but quite well placed and thriving. Most Indians are employed as Teachers, IT professionals, Engineers, Experts, Consultants, Restaurant business owners etc and quite a few of these are married to Mongolians. We see the Indian community in Mongolia as a bridge of our shared culture and heritage and drivers of friendship between our two nations.
- I heard that more than 3,500 young Mongolians are involved in the ITEC program provided by the Government of India. Who is eligible for the program and give us more information about this program?
- Yes, you heard it right that over 3500 Mongolian professionals have been trained in India under ITEC and ICCR scholarship programmes over last 3 decades in fields as diverse as IT to Fintech, Banking Management to Space, Public Governance to English Language, Teachers to Dairy Scientists etc. Some of the beneficiaries hold very high government positions and a few are Members of Parliament also. From 2019 onwards, a group of ITEC beneficiaries have formed an ITEC Alumni Association of Mongolia which strives to promote the India scholarship amongst youth and students. For the year 2021-2022, we have about 200 scholarship slots available for studies in India subject to easing of Covid enforced restrictive travel regime in about 100 premier institutions in over 300 different courses. Basic eligibility for short term ITEC scholarship is age between 25 to 45 years and functional knowledge of English language. All procedures and applications are to be completed online and detailed information, check list, course wise eligibility criteria could be accessed by logging in at the Embassy Website https://eoi.gov.in/ulaanbaatar under icon ‘Scholarship’. Interested persons could also approach Embassy at cons.ulaan@mea.gov.in for any additional clarification.
- The two countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the space sector in September last year. What are the significances of this for both countries?
- Yes, Agreement on Cooperation in Space was signed in Sep 2019 provides the framework for building and further development space science sector in Mongolia for proper exploitation of its vast mining resources & rare earth minerals, promote education, expand telecommunication and telemedicine network, make accurate weather predictions and enhance disaster management capabilities. I feel that signing of this agreement could not have come at a better time, as the first and only satellite of Mongolia – Mazaalai was decommissioned in May 2019 and in a few months’ times Mongolia would be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Mr J Gurragcha's, first Mongolian’s sojourn in space. A group of young Mongolian scientists from MARSA that accompanied President also had fruitful discussions with Indian space scientists in ISRO to explore the possibility of cooperating in developing MARS-on-Earth project and also about launch of a Mongolian communication satellite.
- You seem to be a very active Ambassador. We often see information about you, such as attending large meetings or exchanging views with important officials.
- Well, as Indian Ambassador, I consider it my bounden duty to deepen our traditional friendship & strategic partnership with Mongolia, expand our bilateral relationship, consolidate our shared cultural heritage and further intensify our trade and economic ties. All these warrants being in regular touch with my Mongolian interlocutors in various government department for discussions, meetings, exchange of views and also attending events from time to time. From your comment, I can assume to be reasonably alert in discharging my obligations. Within the ambit of above responsibilities, there are several priorities and areas of focus for me. The first 3 are – progressing construction of Oil Refinery, second progressing Oil Refinery and the third progressing Oil Refinery Project. Other priorities being construction of Atal Bihari Centre of Excellence in IT, establishment of Cyber Security Training Centre and promoting our shared heritage of Buddhism by implementing a digitization of 1 million ancient manuscripts.
- You mentioned in your speech that a joint Indian-Mongolian secondary school will be built in Zaisan. Please give us more information about this school?
- Indeed, India-Mongolia Friendship School is now well on the way to becoming a reality. For the last few years, action at desired pace could not be taken for technical reasons at the Ministry of Education end. After assumption of charge by the New Education Minister Tsedevsuren and Vice Minister of Education Mr Ganbayar, we were able to identify a 2.9 hectares’ vacant plot of land in prestigious Zaisan Hill area in November 2020. We are currently in discussions to finalize the building design and other requirements for the proposed school including financial estimates and hope to take it forward after Covid enforced environment gets eased.
- You seem to be a very active Ambassador. We often see information about you, such as attending large meetings or exchanging views with important officials.
- Well, as Indian Ambassador, I consider it my bounden duty to deepen our traditional friendship & strategic partnership with Mongolia, expand our bilateral relationship, consolidate our shared cultural heritage and further intensify our trade and economic ties. All these warrants being in regular touch with my Mongolian interlocutors in various government department for discussions, meetings, exchange of views and also attending events from time to time. From your comment, I can assume to be reasonably alert in discharging my obligations. Within the ambit of above responsibilities, there are several priorities and areas of focus for me. The first 3 are – progressing construction of Oil Refinery, second progressing Oil Refinery and the third progressing Oil Refinery Project. Other priorities being construction of Atal Bihari Centre of Excellence in IT, establishment of Cyber Security Training Centre and promoting our shared heritage of Buddhism by implementing a digitization of 1 million ancient manuscripts.
- You mentioned in your speech that a joint Indian-Mongolian secondary school will be built in Zaisan. Please give us more information about this school?
- Indeed, India-Mongolia Friendship School is now well on the way to becoming a reality. For the last few years, action at desired pace could not be taken for technical reasons at the Ministry of Education end. After assumption of charge by the New Education Minister Tsedevsuren and Vice Minister of Education Mr Ganbayar, we were able to identify a 2.9 hectares’ vacant plot of land in prestigious Zaisan Hill area in November 2020. We are currently in discussions to finalize the building design and other requirements for the proposed school including financial estimates and hope to take it forward after Covid enforced environment gets eased.