As India intensifies efforts to engage with China its periphery country Mangolia has become more significant for New Delhi in its Asian strategy. Modi’s Sunday visit to Mangolia would be the first by any Indian Prime Minister and would be a mix of Buddhism and democracy. The occasion also marks 25th anniversary of democracy in Mangolia, so India pushing the agenda followed by Buddhist mantra and ‘Art of Living’ makes a ‘cool’ and meditative approach in foreign relations. It looks Modi would be teaching Mangols the Art of Living-which is a huge favourite there. A rare of rare visual treat would be on display of national festival the Naadams Games. The festival featuring equestrian sports, wrestling and archery is generally held in July and apparently traces history to Genghis Khan, the Mangol King. This land locked East Asian country has acquired strategic importance for India when it comes to take care of energy needs. Mangolia is rich in minerals and has vast reserve of coal deposit. India lost to Chinese in bidding and access to the coal deposits of Tavan Toigoi coal mines because of lack of political will during the Congress-led UPA rule. India even signed a uranium deal in 2009, which till date has not gone further. Mangolia is the only country where Indian ambassador from 1990-2000 was the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, one of the leading Lamas of 20th century. So Buddhism and energy pact would help the relations go further as Modi is expected to announce a slew of packages as part of India’s outreach to all of China’s neighbours, which could be seen as a counter strategy to Beijing’s move in India periphery like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It looks Modi’s maiden visit would use ‘Art of Living’ as a ground strategy to make way into mineral-rich land locked country so that India can look for better alternative for its energy needs and not attract any sanctions from world powers and scrutiny.
