India on Monday signed a civil nuclear agreement with Mongolia for the supply of uranium along with four other pacts, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of defence.
The agreement for peaceful uses of radioactive minerals and nuclear energy with Mongolia makes that country the sixth nation after the U.S., Russia, France, Kazakhstan, and Namibia to sign the civil nuclear pact with India after the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group lifted the ban.
The pacts were signed after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the visiting Mongolian President, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.
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“We have today decided to update our bilateral ties to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership.’ We have signed agreements in the field of peaceful uses of radioactive minerals and nuclear energy, health, culture, and statistics. India will provide Mongolia a soft loan of $25 million to help it stabilise its economy in the wake of the global financial crisis,” Dr. Singh said.
He said India attached importance to its expanding defence exchanges and cooperation with Mongolia, including regular joint exercises between the armies, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in this area.
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Dr. Singh said Mr. Elbegdorj’s visit to India, his first overseas tour after elections in June this year, opened a new chapter in India-Mongolia relations.
Dr. Singh said he accepted an invitation by Mr. Elbegdorj to visit Mongolia.