New Delhi: India on Monday signed a civil
nuclear pact with Mongolia, which is believed to have ample
resources of uranium.
Mongolia became the sixth nation with which India has
signed a civil nuclear pact since the 45-nation Nuclear
Suppliers Group lifted a 34-year-old ban on India to have
trade in the field with the international community.
The nuclear agreement and four other pacts were signed
after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj here.
India has already inked civil nuclear agreements with
the US, Russia, France, Kazakhstan and Namibia.
The `Memorandum of Understanding on Development of
Cooperation in the field of Peaceful Use of Radioactive
Minerals and Nuclear Energy` would enable India to look for
uranium in Mongolia.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh said both the leaders
have agreed on deeper cooperation in the field of mining and
other areas like agriculture.
The other pacts signed by the two sides were in the field
of health, cultural exchanges, statistical matters and
extension of loan.
India also announced USD 25 million stabilization fund
for Mongolia to help it in mitigation of the impact of global
financial crisis.
Elbegdorj expressed gratitude to India for providing the
stabilization fund.
The Prime Minister said there was great potential for
deeper cooperation in the areas of mining and agriculture with
Mongolia.
Describing India`s relations with Mongolia as an
"important pillar" of its policy in the Asia-Pacific region,
Singh said the two countries had decided to update the ties to
the level of a "comprehensive partnership".
He said the two leaders agreed to increase trade,
investment and economic exchanges, building up on the
Bilateral Investment Protection and Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreements that are already in place.
Singh and the Mongolian President also agreed to
strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defence field.
India also decided to assist Mongolia in the
establishment of an Information Technology Centre.
A joint statement issued later said both India and
Mongolia strongly condemn the menace of international
terrorism and its devastating effect on democratic societies
and on human civilisation itself.
They affirmed that there can be no justification for
terrorism, and reiterated their resolve to work towards
strengthening of the global consensus and legal regimes
against terrorism, including early finalisation of a
Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
The two sides reached an understanding on development of
defence exchanges and cooperation on the basis of the
Agreement on Cooperation in Defence Matters signed in 2001.
The 5th joint military exercise will be held in Mongolia
later this month. The 3rd meeting of the Joint Working Group
on Defence Cooperation will be held in Ulaanbaatar at a
mutually convenient time in 2010.
The two sides also agreed on regular consultations
between the National Security Councils of India and Mongolia
on issues of mutual interest in regional and multilateral
affairs, including on the subject of cooperation against
terrorism.
They decided on participation of Indian companies
through joint venture and investment in the mining sector in
Mongolia. A delegation from India has been invited to Mongolia
to discuss the prospects for such cooperation.
The Mongolian side reiterated its complete support to
India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN
Security Council when the expansion takes place.
Bureau Report
