Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:15am on 14 Oct 2025,Tuesday India Global
In a historic first, India has sent Buddha's sacred relics to Russia's Kalmykia, Europe's only indigenous Buddhist homeland, for an extraordinary eight-day spiritual exposition. A high-level delegation comprising 11 senior Indian monks accompanies the relics to perform religious services and blessings for the local Buddhist community. This unprecedented cultural and spiritual exchange marks a significant milestone in India-Russia religious diplomacy and highlights India's role as the custodian of Buddhist heritage. The exposition in Kalmykia represents a unique opportunity for European Buddhists to connect with their faith's origins. The initiative strengthens ties between India and Russia's Buddhist regions while showcasing India's soft power through spiritual diplomacy.