Priyanka Tiwari
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy has consistently emphasized Buddhism as a central pillar of India’s cultural diplomacy. Through temple visits, gifting Buddhist artefacts, and sending sacred relics abroad, PM Modi has reinforced India's image as a spiritual and cultural hub of Buddhism.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Buddhist Diplomacy
1. Global Temple Visits & Cultural Outreach
Thailand (2025): PM Modi, alongside the Thai PM, visited Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). He presented a Brass Statue of Sarnath Buddha in Dhyan Mudra to the Thai King—representing Indian craftsmanship and Buddhist symbolism.
Sri Lanka (2024 & 2017): PM Modi visited Mahabodhi Temple (Anuradhapura) and Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo). He also addressed the International Vesak Day Celebrations, enhancing India-Sri Lanka spiritual ties.
Japan (2014 & 2023): PM Modi visited Toji and Kinkaku-ji temples (Kyoto) and the Bal Bodhi Tree in Delhi with PM Fumio Kishida, emphasizing shared Buddhist heritage.
Vietnam (2016): He visited the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, promoting India-Vietnam Buddhist ties.
China (2015): Visits to Da Xingshan Temple and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an highlighted ancient India-China Buddhist exchanges.
Singapore (2018): PM Modi toured the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, reinforcing religious and cultural harmony.
Mongolia (2015 & 2019): PM Modi visited the Gandan Monastery, later unveiling a Lord Buddha statue with President Khaltmaagiin Battulga in Ulaanbaatar.
2. Sacred Relics Diplomacy
Thailand (2024): India sent relics of Lord Buddha, Arahant Sariputta, and Maha Moggallana, displayed in four cities for 25 days.
Mongolia (2022): The Kapilavastu Relics were sent for a special exposition at Gandan Monastery, accompanied by a 25-member delegation.
3. Gifted Buddhist Artifacts to World Leaders
Thailand (2025): A Sarnath Buddha brass statue was gifted to the Thai King.
Laos (2024): A vintage Buddha statue was presented to President Thongloun Sisoulith at the India-ASEAN Summit.
4. Global Buddhist Summits & Dialogues
Global Buddhist Summit (2023): Hosted by India, the event brought together scholars and monks to explore contemporary challenges through Buddhist teachings. PM Modi emphasized how Buddha’s wisdom addresses issues like war, terrorism, economic instability, and climate change.
Revitalizing Buddhist Heritage in India
Buddhist Circuit Tourism: The Buddhist Circuit Tourist Train (Mahaparinirvan Express) offers an immersive spiritual journey across sacred sites in India and Nepal.
Kushinagar International Airport: Improves global accessibility to Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.
Nalanda University Revival: Reinforces India as a global academic center for Buddhist studies.
Pali as a Classical Language: Helps preserve ancient Buddhist texts and philosophy.
A Global Spiritual Legacy
In the book "Casting of Buddha" by Shashank Shekhar Sinha, PM Modi’s strategy is described as a vision to showcase how Buddhism’s teachings can address global crises. His efforts position India as a peace ambassador, reinforcing shared cultural roots with Buddhist nations and nurturing spiritual unity.
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