Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said mineral-rich Mongolia could benefit from India's expertise and high growth while praising the Buddhist country as the new bright light of democracy in the world.   

Modi, who was given a rare honour by Mongolia to address its Parliament on Sunday, a holiday, said, "I bring the greetings of your 1.25 billion spiritual neighbours. There is no higher form of a relationship; no bonds more sacred than this. We in India are honoured that you think of us this way."   

The PM said India and Mongolia are at an important juncture because the two countries are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations and Mongolia is celebrating 25 years of democracy. "Mongolia is the new bright light of democracy in our world," Modi told the lawmakers at the State Great Hural -- the Parliament.   

"Today, Indians and Mongolians are telling the world that the bonds of hearts and minds have the strength to over comethe barriers of distance," he said, adding friendship between them will give lessons and hold lessons for the whole world.