India has reaffirmed its position as a global torchbearer of Buddhist values and dialogue, with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country has taken proactive responsibility in providing an international platform for Buddhist monks, scholars, gurus and thinkers. He made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
India Strengthening Global Buddhist Dialogue
Addressing an international audience, Shri Shekhawat highlighted that India’s civilisational ethos has always been rooted in peace, compassion and harmony, values embodied by Bhagwan Buddha. He noted that since 2014, India has significantly expanded its engagement with the global Buddhist community by:
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Hosting international Buddhist conferences and summits
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Strengthening cultural and spiritual diplomacy
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Providing platforms for dialogue among monks, scholars and spiritual leaders
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Promoting India’s heritage as the land of Buddha
He emphasised that India’s approach is not merely symbolic but reflects a sustained commitment to global peace and coexistence.
Gyan Bharatam: One of the World’s Largest Manuscript Digitisation Initiatives
The Union Minister underlined the importance of the Gyan Bharatam initiative, stating:
“Under Gyan Bharatam, the Government of India is undertaking one of the world’s largest initiatives for the digitisation of ancient manuscripts.”
He noted that this ambitious effort aims to:
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Preserve India’s vast repository of ancient knowledge
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Make rare manuscripts globally accessible
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Share India’s civilisational wisdom with the world
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Strengthen cultural heritage through digital technology
This initiative, he said, reflects India’s responsibility as a custodian of global spiritual and intellectual traditions.
Exhibition on Buddha Relics Invited Global Attention
Shri Shekhawat encouraged delegates and citizens to visit the international exhibition “The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One” at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
He also recalled the historic repatriation of the Piprahwa Relics to India after 127 years, describing them as:
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Living symbols of India’s ancient civilisation
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Testimonies of the timeless relevance of Buddhist heritage
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Sacred links connecting modern society to Buddha’s legacy
Second Global Buddhist Summit Draws Worldwide Participation
The two-day summit (24–25 January 2026) was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The event was attended by senior dignitaries including Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, along with:
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Nearly 200 international delegates
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Eminent monks and scholars
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Leaders of major Buddhist organisations
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Followers of the Dhamma from across the world
The summit was held on the theme:
“Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence”,
providing a common platform to deliberate on contemporary and future global challenges through the lens of Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Dharma is Universal, Says Kiren Rijiju
Speaking at the summit, Shri Kiren Rijiju stressed that:
“Buddha Dharma is not only for those who identify as Buddhists, but for everyone.”
He highlighted the universal appeal of the Dhamma, rooted in:
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Compassion
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Non-violence
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Harmony
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Coexistence
He added that as more global seekers turn towards Buddhist teachings for guidance, India carries a special responsibility to preserve, practice and share these timeless values with the world.
India Reaffirmed as Land of the Buddha and Global Torchbearer of Peace
The Second Global Buddhist Summit reaffirmed India’s unique position as:
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The land of the Buddha
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A natural centre for global spiritual dialogue
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A promoter of collective wisdom and peaceful coexistence
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A bridge between ancient wisdom and modern global challenges
Through such initiatives, India continues to strengthen its cultural diplomacy while offering the world a philosophy rooted in peace and shared humanity.
Conclusion
The Second Global Buddhist Summit not only reinforced India’s leadership in promoting Buddhist dialogue but also showcased the nation’s enduring commitment to peace, harmony and cultural preservation. With initiatives like Gyan Bharatam, global exhibitions on sacred relics and sustained engagement with international Buddhist communities, India is emerging as a powerful global platform where ancient wisdom guides modern solutions. The summit stands as a reminder that India’s spiritual heritage continues to inspire collective wisdom and global coexistence.
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Source: PIB
