The President of Mongolia, H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, along with his delegation, visited the Parliament of India today. He was warmly received by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla at Makar Dwar. The delegation admired the architectural grandeur, artistic elegance, and rich cultural heritage of the Parliament House, while also witnessing India’s vibrant democratic traditions embodied in the new Parliament Building.
During their meeting, both leaders held productive bilateral discussions. Shri Birla expressed his happiness that India and Mongolia are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. He commended the steadily deepening partnership between the two nations and noted that over the past seven decades, their cooperation has expanded across multiple dimensions.
Reflecting on his visit to Mongolia in 2023, Shri Birla reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening parliamentary democracy. The Speaker noted that the partnership between India and Mongolia holds vast potential in the areas of defence, health, information technology, and economic cooperation.
Emphasizing that bilateral relations between the two nations are rooted in the principles of democracy, dharma, and development (3D), he highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections that India and Mongolia share.
Speaking about the shared Buddhist heritage, Shri Birla observed that the teachings of Lord Buddha transcend time, remaining both eternal and profoundly relevant. He cited the Buddha’s guiding mantra, “Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of the many), as a foundational principle that continues to inspire India’s public policy today.
Shri Birla also informed President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa that the Dharma Chakra, prominently inscribed above the Speaker’s Chair in the Lok Sabha Chamber, stands as a symbol of India’s enduring commitment to dharma-based governance.
Speaking about the new Parliament Building, Shri Birla informed the delegation that despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, its construction was completed in record time. He proudly stated that the building embodies the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians and prominently reflects elements of Buddhist philosophy.
Highlighting this connection, he pointed out that one of the galleries displays the timeless verse “Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gachchhami” (I go to the Buddha for refuge, to the Dharma for refuge, to the Sangha for refuge), along with teachings that inspire individuals to “become like light.”
Emphasizing the growing parliamentary engagement between India and Mongolia, Shri Birla noted that regular exchanges between the two Parliaments have been a key pillar of their bilateral relationship. He expressed his desire to further strengthen this tradition.
Recalling the Memorandum of Understanding signed during his 2023 visit to Mongolia to enhance parliamentary cooperation, Shri Birla encouraged Mongolian parliamentarians and officials to make use of India’s world-class Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) for training and capacity-building initiatives.
Shri Birla also highlighted India’s strong focus on enhancing women’s participation across all sectors. He noted the significant progress achieved in recent years to strengthen women’s representation in social, economic, and political spheres.
He shared that the Indian Constitution mandates a 33% reservation for women in grassroots representative bodies, with several states extending this to 50%. Shri Birla further mentioned the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam” the first law enacted in the new Parliament Building which provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
This landmark legislation, he said, reaffirms India’s constitutional commitment to Women-Led Development. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President of Mongolia, warmly recalled Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla’s visit to Mongolia in 2023, noting that Shri Birla’s dynamic leadership had greatly strengthened parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.
Describing India as Mongolia’s “spiritual neighbour and a great friend,” President Ukhnaa emphasized India’s role as a key partner in Mongolia’s development journey. He commended India’s emergence as a rapidly growing economic power contributing meaningfully to global peace and stability.
Applauding India’s leadership of the Global South, he expressed optimism for continued collaboration between India and Mongolia on multilateral platforms, founded on mutual respect and shared benefit.