A delegation from the Republic of Kalmykia, headed by Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic, has arrived in India to deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between Russia and India through cultural and spiritual cooperation.
In New Delhi, Khasikov met with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India’s Minister of Tourism and Culture. The leaders discussed expanding cultural initiatives, agreeing that during the Tulip Festival in April 2026, India Days will be celebrated in Kalmykia to showcase Indian traditions, tourism, and culture.
In talks with Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, discussions included establishing sister-state relations between Kalmykia and an Indian state to provide a platform for cooperation in tourism, education, and spiritual heritage.
Khasikov invited Indian ministers to participate in the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista, scheduled for September 2025. A central feature of the event will be the arrival of the sacred relics of Buddha Shakyamuni from India’s National Museum for a week-long exhibition, the first of its kind in Russia. The event, held under the patronage of President Vladimir Putin, is expected to draw Buddhist communities and spiritual visitors from around the world.
India will also present a consecrated statue of Buddha Shakyamuni for the Buddhist Park in Elista, designed as a cultural and spiritual centre. The park will feature replicas of Buddhist architectural landmarks, with India holding a place of honour.
Highlighting the historic ties, the visit also paid tribute to Indian soldiers who fought alongside Soviet forces during the Great Patriotic War. Discussions with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) led to agreements on sending a Buddhist scholar to Kalmyk State University and establishing an “Indian Corner” at the institution, where around 100 Indian students are currently enrolled.
Speaking on the occasion, Batu Khasikov noted: “The relations between our countries are at the level of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Russia and India are developing common approaches to ensuring global peace and security, and to shaping a new architecture of the world order.”
Kalmykia, Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region, is increasingly positioning itself as a cultural and spiritual tourism destination. In 2024, it hosted 460,000 tourists and 1.8 million day visitors, reflecting growing global interest. The Buddhist Park in Elista is expected to strengthen this role while deepening Indo-Russian cultural ties.
