Indo-Mongolia ties not driven by competition against others: PM
18 May 2015 12:16 AM GMT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ties between India and Mongolia are not driven by competition, but it is a relationship of immeasurable positive energy that comes from their spiritual links and shared ideals.
Modi, while speaking at the banquet hosted in his honour by Mongolian Prime Minister Chimed
<g data-gr-id="44">Saikhanbileg,</g> said the “ancient relationship” between the two countries has got new strength and momentum with his visit, the first by an Indian Premier to the country.
“This is a memorable day for India, for my delegation and me. In less than 24 hours, we have experienced true friendship. We have seen rare grace and generosity of a great people. We have experienced the beauty of your land,” Modi said at the dinner.
“We have nurtured our spiritual links. The visit to the Ganden monastery will be a source of joy forever. We have soaked in the richness of your culture at the mini-Naadam festival,” he said.
After talks between the two Premiers, it was announced that India has extended a $ 1 billion credit line to Mongolia for infrastructure development as they upgraded their ties to “Strategic Partnership”.
“Ours is a relationship that is not measured on the scale of commerce or driven by competition against others. It is a relationship of immeasurable positive energy that comes from our spiritual links and shared ideals,” Modi said.
“It is the energy that seeks the <g data-gr-id="32">well being</g> of our two nations and the common good of the world. This is a form of energy that has enormous power to be the force of peace, progress and prosperity in the world,” he said.
Mongolian Premier Saikhanbileg, who wore a <g data-gr-id="31">bandhgala</g> at the banquet, said, “We Mongolians take immense pride in our long historic and cultural bonds with the people of India.”
An all-vegetarian dinner spread was laid out for the Indian delegation including “nine gems” feast, steamed apple and fresh vegetable salad. A musical show also kept the guests entertained at the banquet.
Modi gifted race horse, fiddle during Mongolia visit
PM Narendra Modi on Sunday received a special gift -- a brown <g data-gr-id="62">race horse</g> -- from his Mongolian <g data-gr-id="61">couterpart</g> Chimed Saikhanbileg on his historic visit to the country. <g data-gr-id="60">Horse</g> named Kanthaka was gifted to him at the ‘Mini Naadam’ sporting festival. “With Kanthaka, a gift from Mongolia,” Modi tweeted. “A special gift for a special visitor! Mongolian PM gifts a horse to PM,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. Earlier, the Prime Minister Modi, the first Indian Premier the country, also “struck a new chord” by trying his hand at the traditional fiddle he received as a gift from Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. “Striking a new chord in the relationship with Mongolia. @narendramodi tries 2 understand intricacies of morin khuur,” Swarup tweeted.
Next Story
