Democracy and Buddhism bind India with Mongolia: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday termed Mongolia as India's 'spiritual friend', adding that shared values of democracy and Buddhism bind the two countries.

The Prime Minister took to twitter to share his views. "Honoured to get the opportunity to address the Great Khural on 17th May. I reassure India's continued support in all areas to Mongolia," he posted. "Democracy and Buddhism bind India with Mongolia – our spiritual friend. Looking forward to more trade and investment ties with Mongolia," he added. "Glad to visit Mongolia on 17th May to commemorate 60th year of our diplomatic relations and the silver jubilee of Mongolia's democracy," he further wrote.

In addition, the Prime Minister also posted his message in Mongolian in the Cyrillic script. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Mongolia will be the second leg of his six-day, three nation tour, which also includes visits to China and South Korea.

India was the first country outside the Socialist bloc to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia. India supported Mongolia in having UN and NAM memberships. The year 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ulan Bator.

Modi's original tweet:

Democracy and Buddhism bind India with Mongolia – our spiritual friend. Looking forward to more trade and investment ties with Mongolia.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 6, 2015