India and China share a border that stretches over thousands of kilometers. The specific area where conflicts arise is called the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The border issue between India and China has been a long-standing and complex matter.
China is considered a competitor to India in terms of economics. Both countries have strong economies and are striving for growth and development.
Geographical location of Mangolia is important for India to counter China.
Mangolia is situated in East Asia. North of Mongolia, Russia is situated, while south of Mongolia, China is situated. Mangolia is landlocked country. China shared border with Mangolia to the north 4,630 km.
Mongolia depends on Russia for fuel and electricity. Country wants to be independent in the terms of energy. India is helping it by establishing refinery in the country.
China is Mongolia’s biggest trading partner, accounting for approximately 50% of Mongolia’s external trade. Consumable goods are imported from china and against the same gold, coal, copper etc. export to china. It means Mangolia is important neighbor for China.
As per Chanakya’s theory regarding countries “if your neighbor is your enemy then make neighbor of enemy our friend”. While Mongolia shares a border with China, it necessarily proves its capability of becoming India’s friend.
Similarity between India and Mangolia
- Both India and Mongolia are democratic countries, which mean that they have governments that are elected by their respective citizens.
- Both Mongolian people and many Indians practice Buddhism as their religion.
Similarity between the 2 countries in terms of policies, ethnicity helps to make there relation more strong. Similarities in ethnicity and culture can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two countries. Common cultural practices, traditions, and values create a sense of familiarity and can facilitate better communication and cooperation.
Why Mangolia is looking after India as friend?
- Mangolia depends upon China and Russia for various goods. Mangolia is looking after third partner for making Mongolia less dependent on China. Meanwhile India can beats China’s influence.
- After World War II, China annexed a southern area of Mongolia. This historical event has created fear in Mongolia that China may have expansionist intentions towards Mongolia.
- Mangolia is mineral rich country and it did not access these mineral yet. Mongolia need partner to extract it.
- Mongolia wants to cooperate with India on issue of mutual interest like cross border, terrorism, climate change, energy security etc.
Existing Relations between Mangolia and India
India-Mongolia bilateral ties have been growing.
- India’s ties with the country have been on an upward trajectory since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in May 2015. This visit marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations and set the stage for closer cooperation in various fields. During the visit, several key agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as trade, investment, defense, culture, and tourism. These agreements provided a framework for enhanced cooperation and collaboration between India and the respective country.
- India and Mongolia have been cooperating in the security arena, fostering a relationship based on mutual understanding and shared security interests. Key aspects are Counterterrorism, Defense Cooperation, Peacekeeping Operations, Regional Security, and Diplomatic Engagement.
- India contributes to training of Mangolian military officers.
- The “Nomadic Elephant” is a joint military exercise conducted between India and Mongolia. It aims to enhance the bilateral defense cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the armed forces of both countries.
Importance of Mangolia
China is currently involved in a project to build a pipeline that will connect Russia to China, passing through Mongolia. This pipeline is part of China’s efforts to secure energy resources and ensure a stable supply for its growing economy.
The pipeline project aims to transport natural gas from Russia’s Siberian region to China, allowing China to meet its increasing energy demands. The pipeline route through Mongolia has been chosen due to its geographical location, which provides a convenient transit path.
In a hypothetical scenario where Mongolia and India have strong relations and there is a war situation with China, India may ask Mongolia to control pipeline of China which is go through Mangolia.
Strengthening the relationship between Mongolia and India alone may not provide India with direct control over China’s energy sources in a war situation. However, closer ties between Mongolia and India could potentially enhance India’s geopolitical influence in the region and indirectly impact China’s energy supply.
In a hypothetical war situation between India and China, the control of energy sources would primarily depend on the military strategies, capabilities, and alliances of the involved countries. While Mongolia does have significant mineral resources, including coal and minerals, it does not possess substantial oil or natural gas reserves that would directly impact China’s energy supply.
India’s “Necklace of Diamonds” strategy to counter “String of Pearls” strategy of China is a foreign policy concept that focuses on building strong relationships with countries in its surrounding regions, often referred to as “diamonds.” In this context, Mongolia is considered one of the “diamonds” in India’s strategic approaches.
The “String of Pearls” strategy, on the other hand, is a term often used to describe China’s efforts to establish a network of military and commercial facilities in the Indian Ocean region. It refers to China’s increasing presence and influence in countries surrounding India.
Conclusion:
India’s approach towards small countries often involves proposing mutual benefit deals rather than exploiting their energy sources. India seeks to establish partnerships based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared benefits.
In its dealings with smaller countries, India focuses on promoting economic development, infrastructure projects, and capacity-building initiatives. The aim is to foster long-term relationships that support the growth and well-being of both countries involved.
Rather than simply extracting energy resources from smaller nations, India aims to engage in collaborative efforts. This may include investments in renewable energy projects, technology transfer, or supporting the development of local industries. Overall, India and Mongolia’s cooperation in the security arena demonstrates their commitment to addressing shared security challenges and promoting regional stability. It reflects their willingness to work together and strengthen ties for the benefit of their respective countries and the broader region