Agreement with Mongolia and Regional Diplomacy

Parallel to his dealings with British India, the 13th Dalai Lama strengthened ties with Mongolia, where he had once taken refuge. In 1913, Tibet and Mongolia signed a mutual recognition of independence, asserting their shared Buddhist heritage and aspirations to remain free of foreign domination.

These diplomatic efforts reflected Tibet’s growing assertion on the world stage, anchored in its spiritual identity and political autonomy.

Agvan Dorjiev (Ngawang Dorjee), Buryat-Mongol monk and scholar, was one of the Dalai Lama’s seven debate partners and helped secure the 1913 Tibet-Mongol Treaty. Courtesy: Agvan Dorjiev Foundation
Dorjiev leaving Peterhof Palace after a 1901 audience with Tsar Nicholas II in St. Petersburg. Courtesy: Agvan Dorjiev Foundation
Official document signed by Dorjiev as ambassador of the Tibetan government. Courtesy: Agvan Dorjiev Foundation
On 11 January 1913, Tibet and Mongolia signed the Treaty of Friendship and Alliance in Urga, recognizing each other’s independence. Courtesy: Agvan Dorjiev Foundation
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