India inks uranium deal with Mongolia

New Delhi, Sep 14 (ANI): India and Mongolia on Monday signed a crucial civil nuclear agreement for supply of Uranium following summit level talks between the visiting Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

India also extended a 25 million US dollar stabilisation fund to mitigate the global financial crisis affecting Ulan Bator.

Other agreements signed included cooperation in the fields of health, cultural exchange and statistical affairs.

In a joint media interaction, Dr. Manmohan Singh said both the countries reviewed the entire extent of bilateral relations and discussed issues of mutual concern on regional and international matters.r. Manmohan Singh said they have already agreed on bilateral investment protection and ways to avoid double taxation.

Elbegdorj said that Mongolia is grateful to India for providing stabilisation funds for the recovery of its staggering economy.

Earlier, Elbegdorj met External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and discussed issues of bilateral interest besides regional and international issues.

He was given a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning. ice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Leader of Opposition L.K. Advani will meet the visiting dignitary later today.

On Tuesday, he will visit Agra, Gaya and Mumbai. On Wednesday, he is expected to meet and interact with captains of Indian industry in Mumbai and is likely to pitch Mongolia as an attractive investment destination. He will leave for Mongolian capital Ulan Bator the same evening.

This is President Elbegdorj's first official visit abroad after assuming office in June 2009, indicating the importance that Mongolia attaches to its relations with India.

Elbegdorj is being accompanied by a 25-member Mongolian business high-level official delegation, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister of Education, Science and Culture and senior parliamentarians. (ANI)