Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday welcomed Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa and his delegation at the Parliament in New Delhi, underscoring the deep-rooted bonds between the two democracies.
The visiting delegation was received with ceremonial warmth at Makar Dwar and given a tour of the Parliament complex. They admired the architectural grandeur, cultural heritage, and democratic vibrancy embodied in the new Parliament Building.
During bilateral discussions, Birla highlighted that 2025 marks 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia – a relationship that has steadily deepened over the decades. “Our partnership is built on the three pillars of democracy, dharma, and development,” Birla said, emphasizing the shared spiritual and historical connections between the two nations.
Reflecting on his 2023 visit to Mongolia, Birla reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy. He noted the vast potential for expanding cooperation in defence, health, information technology, and economic development.
Birla spoke about the shared Buddhist heritage that forms a strong spiritual bridge between India and Mongolia. Citing the Buddha’s teaching “Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya” (for the welfare and happiness of the many), he said these values continue to guide India’s governance philosophy.
He also pointed to the Dharma Chakra placed above the Speaker’s Chair in the Lok Sabha as a symbol of India’s enduring commitment to dharma-based governance. “Our new Parliament Building reflects these values,” Birla said, highlighting the Buddhist-inspired elements inscribed within the building, including the verse “Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gacchhami.”
Underscoring the importance of regular exchanges between the two Parliaments, Birla referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 to enhance cooperation. He invited Mongolian parliamentarians to take advantage of the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) for capacity-building and training programmes.
Birla also highlighted India’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, noting constitutional provisions for women’s reservation at grassroots levels. He cited the enactment of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam – the first law passed in the new Parliament—which provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
“This landmark legislation reflects our resolve to strengthen women’s representation in political, social, and economic spheres,” Birla said.
President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa warmly recalled Birla’s visit to Mongolia and praised his leadership in strengthening parliamentary ties. Calling India Mongolia’s “spiritual neighbour and great friend,” he lauded India’s growing global role and its leadership of the Global South. He also expressed optimism about further collaboration on multilateral platforms based on mutual respect and shared interests.