FROM HISTORICAL AND SPIRITUAL RELATIONS TO BEING A 'THIRD NEIGHBOUR': EMERGING STRATEGIC INDIA MONGOLIA RELATIONS IN PRESENT TUMULTUOUS WORLD POLITICS

India-Mongolia relations date back to ancient times and desirably in modern times, bilateral relations have been rapidly deepening through multi-level engagements.

- Nidhi Choudhary

Both countries have been spiritual (ancient) neighbours which have now transformed into important strategic partners. The cooperation between India and Mongolia, which was previously limited to occasional diplomatic missions, is now rapidly expanding into more robust relations to close political and people-to-people bonds. The bilateral relationship between India and Mongolia has undergone a transformative journey from spiritual neighbours to strategic partners. Historically linked by the shared cultural heritage of Buddhism (and Mughal Empires, etc.), the two nations have gradually deepened their ties, expanding from religious and cultural affinities to strategic cooperation. Mongolia is situated in the geographical heartland of Asia. It is well known for its rich natural resources and educated human resources in the Inner Asian region. Being located in a strategically important region and surrounded by global powers Russia and China, Mongolia remains an important country in India's 'Act East' policy in the Central or Inner Asian region.

A new age in World politics began in the twenty-first century with the 'decline of the West and the rise of rest'. Countries like China, India, and other powerful countries became more significant in International politics. With that small countries (population) like Mongolia reassessing their foreign policies and diplomatic relations and seeking new close alliances with emerging global players like India in today's convoluted international politics. Its distinct geopolitical and geostrategic location, Mongolia, which is positioned at the intersection of China, Russia, North-East Asia, Central Asia, and the Far East, gives its edge to having close relations with emerging players in world politics.