Deputy Minister of Road and Transport Development L. Khaltar met with Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia, today /09.04.2024/, to discuss the possibility of establishing direct flights between Mongolia and India.

Deputy Minister L. Khaltar highlighted the long historical relationship between Mongolia and India, despite the geographical distance between them. Currently, Mongolian private airlines operate more than 10 scheduled flights between the two countries. These flights primarily cater to oil and information technology professionals traveling from India to Mongolia, and Mongolian travelers seeking health services and religious rituals in India.

Expressing a desire to enhance cooperation, Deputy Minister L. Khaltar proposed initiating direct flights between Mongolia and India in the future.

Both parties agreed to establish a joint working group to explore suitable transportation options for mining products between Mongolia and India, including conducting experimental transportation. Mongolia is actively constructing new railways, including the east and west vertical railway corridors, with plans to export mining products, such as Tavantolgoi coking coal, to neighboring countries and third markets like India.

Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve expressed India's interest in expanding cooperation in the road and transport sector with Mongolia, including establishing direct flights. India also expressed interest in importing mining products, such as copper and coal, from Mongolia. He mentioned a trial shipment of coking coal to India via the Far East in 2010, which was discontinued due to high transportation costs.

The meeting highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between Mongolia and India in the transport sector and the mutual benefits of establishing direct flights and facilitating trade in mining products.