External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar arrived in Mongolia on Monday for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnership with the resource-rich nation. During his visit to the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, Jaishankar met his Mongolian counterpart, Battsetseg Batmunkh and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
The visit is expected to focus on cooperation in mining, clean energy and critical minerals, areas that have gained increasing importance for India’s long-term economic and energy security.
Mongolia’s vast mineral wealth attracts global interest
Mongolia is one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries, with the mining sector contributing nearly one-fourth of its GDP and accounting for around 90% of export earnings. The country has more than 1000 deposits of around 80 different minerals, including copper, coal, gold, uranium and several critical minerals essential for modern industries and clean energy technologies.
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As global competition for natural resources intensifies, Mongolia’s mineral reserves have attracted growing international attention.
Uranium reserves could boost India’s energy security
One of Mongolia’s biggest attractions is its vast uranium reserves. The country is estimated to possess around 192,000 tonnes of geological uranium resources, making it home to some of the world’s largest undeveloped uranium deposits.
Although Mongolia does not currently operate any commercial uranium mines, it is working toward beginning production by around 2028 with the help of international investment.
India has been exploring the possibility of securing uranium supplies from Mongolia to support its civilian nuclear energy programme. Mongolia, which holds more than 90,000 tonnes of identified uranium reserves, is also looking to expand global supply partnerships.
Rich deposits of copper, gold and critical minerals
Mongolia possesses more than 56 million tonnes of copper reserves, making copper its most valuable export commodity. The Oyu Tolgoi mine in the South Gobi region is among the world’s largest known copper-gold deposits.
The country also produces significant quantities of gold from major deposits such as Gatsuurt, Boroo and Zaamar. In addition, Mongolia has an estimated 36 billion tonnes of coal reserves, including high-quality coking coal used in steel production.
Pleased to arrive in Mongolia today. Thank State Secretary Munktushig Ilkhanajav for the warm welcome.
Look forward to fruitful engagements to advance our special partnership.
🇮🇳 🇲🇳 pic.twitter.com/iN62CbzIkF
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 22, 2026
The country is also rich in rare earth elements and other critical minerals, with estimated reserves of about 3.1 million tonnes. Large deposits of lithium, fluorspar, zinc and iron ore further add to Mongolia’s strategic importance.
India-Mongolia cooperation may expand
India has proposed partnerships with Mongolia in uranium mining and processing, and discussions are already underway regarding long-term supply agreements. As New Delhi looks to diversify its uranium imports and strengthen energy security, Jaishankar’s visit is being closely watched for possible announcements in this sector.
The visit also highlights India’s broader efforts to secure access to critical minerals needed for future industries, renewable energy projects and advanced technologies.
South Korea next on Jaishankar’s itinerary
Mongolia is the first stop on Jaishankar’s two-nation tour. After concluding his visit on Wednesday, he will travel to South Korea.
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In Seoul, Jaishankar is scheduled to hold talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. He will also deliver the keynote address at the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity on Thursday, where regional security, economic cooperation and global challenges are expected to be discussed.
First published on: Jun 22, 2026 11:12 PM IST
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