India as a Global Platform for Buddhist Dialogue

Highlighting India’s global leadership in promoting Buddhist dialogue, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, noted that since Shri Narendra Modi assumed office as Prime Minister, India has taken proactive responsibility in providing an international platform for Buddhist monks, gurus, scholars, and thinkers, reinforcing the nation’s enduring commitment to peace and harmony.

Leadership Role:
Since PM Narendra Modi took office, India has actively positioned itself as an international hub for Buddhist monks, scholars, and thinkers, reinforcing its commitment to peace and harmony.

Event:
These remarks were made at the Second Global Buddhist Summit held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 24–25 January 2026.

Key Initiatives
- Gyan Bharatam Project:
- One of the world’s largest efforts to digitize ancient manuscripts.
- Aimed at preserving and sharing India’s civilizational and spiritual knowledge globally.
- Exhibition – “The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One”:
- Hosted at Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
- Showcases sacred Buddhist relics, including the Piprahwa Relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.

Summit Highlights
- Theme: “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence”.
- Participation: Nearly 200 international representatives, including eminent monks, Buddhist leaders, scholars, and followers.
- Speakers:
-- Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Culture & Tourism Minister).
-- Shri Kiren Rijiju (Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs Minister), who emphasized that Buddha Dharma is universal, not limited to Buddhists.

Significance
- Reaffirms India’s identity as the land of the Buddha.
- Positions India as a torchbearer of collective wisdom, peaceful coexistence, and compassion in addressing global challenges.

This summit underscores how India is blending ancient wisdom with modern global dialogue, strengthening its cultural diplomacy.