Nalanda University has solidified its academic and cultural ties with Mongolia by signing two significant Memorandums of Understanding in Ulaanbaatar on June 8th and 9th, 2026; the first agreement, established with Gandantegchinlen Monastery, aims to foster academic cooperation through joint research, manuscript preservation, and academic exchanges rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage, while the second MoU with the National University of Mongolia broadens collaboration across diverse fields including Dharma Studies, philosophy, culture, history, ecology, languages, and economic history, with both partnerships intended to enrich academic pursuits and promote global learning and collaborative research, embodying the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University.

Nalanda University has solidified its academic and cultural ties with Mongolia by signing two significant Memorandums of Understanding in Ulaanbaatar on June 8th and 9th, 2026; the first agreement, established with Gandantegchinlen Monastery, aims to foster academic cooperation through joint research, manuscript preservation, and academic exchanges rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage, while the second MoU with the National University of Mongolia broadens collaboration across diverse fields including Dharma Studies, philosophy, culture, history, ecology, languages, and economic history, with both partnerships intended to enrich academic pursuits and promote global learning and collaborative research, embodying the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University.

Nalanda University has solidified its academic and cultural ties with Mongolia by signing two significant Memorandums of Understanding in Ulaanbaatar on June 8th and 9th, 2026; the first agreement, established with Gandantegchinlen Monastery, aims to foster academic cooperation through joint research, manuscript preservation, and academic exchanges rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage, while the second MoU with the National University of Mongolia broadens collaboration across diverse fields including Dharma Studies, philosophy, culture, history, ecology, languages, and economic history, with both partnerships intended to enrich academic pursuits and promote global learning and collaborative research, embodying the spirit of the ancient Nalanda University.

Nalanda University Press Release | English

Rajgir/Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | 9 June, 2026: Nalanda University has further strengthened the enduring civilizational, cultural, and academic relationship between India and Mongolia through the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with premier Mongolian institutions during a high-level academic engagement in Ulaanbaatar on 8–9 June.

The first MoU was signed on 8 June between Nalanda University and Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan Monastery), Mongolia, at the historic Ganden Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. The agreement was signed by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, and H.E. Geshe Lharampa Javzandorj Dulamragchaa, Khamba Nomun Khan, Supreme Abbot and Head of Gandan Monastery.

The ceremony was held in the gracious presence of His Excellency Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, His Excellency Mr. Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia, His Excellency Mr. B. Tserennadmid, Governor of Arkhangai Province, senior officials from the Government of India, and respected monks from various monasteries in India.

Rooted in centuries of shared Buddhist heritage, this partnership seeks to promote academic cooperation through joint research, academic exchanges, collaborative publications, and conferences. The agreement also envisages the study, preservation, and dissemination of rare Buddhist manuscripts, thereby safeguarding the wisdom and intellectual traditions of ancient Nālandā for future generations.

On 9 June, Nalanda University signed a second MoU with the National University of Mongolia (NUM) at the university's campus in Ulaanbaatar. The agreement was formalized by Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Nalanda University, and Professor Baatarchuluun Tsermaa, Vice President for Research and Cooperation, National University of Mongolia, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both institutions.

This academic partnership opens new avenues for collaboration across a wide range of disciplines, including Dharma Studies, Buddhist Philosophy, Culture and Art, History, Ecology, Sanskrit and Tibetan Languages, Trade, and Economic History. The MoU aims to facilitate faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, academic programmes, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Professor Sachin Chaturvedi noted that these partnerships fundamentally enrich the academic journey for students and researchers alike. By building bridges of knowledge between India and Mongolia, these MoUs open up exciting new avenues for global learning and collaborative research. Ultimately, they carry forward the spirit of the ancient university- empowering today’s students to become global citizens who contribute to world peace and sustainable development.