Elista, Republic of Kalmykia / New Delhi, October 15:
In a remarkable blend of spiritual diplomacy and tourism development, the Republic of Kalmykia — Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region — has reached out to India, inviting travellers, pilgrims, and investors to explore its growing tourism landscape.
Located in southern Russia, Kalmykia offers a unique cultural bridge between India and Europe, where Buddhist traditions thrive amid vast steppes and untouched nature. The region is now enhancing its tourism infrastructure, improving air and road connectivity, and developing new attractions, making it increasingly accessible for Indian visitors.
Buddhist Heritage Strengthens India–Kalmykia Ties
The spiritual bond between India and Kalmykia deepened this month with the arrival of the sacred Kapilavastu relics from India’s National Museum. The relics — associated with Lord Buddha’s early life — are being displayed at the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista from October 11–18, drawing pilgrims and visitors from across Russia and beyond.
During the ceremony, Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, head of the Indian Buddhist delegation, remarked that “Kalmykia will become a beacon of Buddhist spirituality for all of Europe.”
Kalmykia’s Head, Batu Khasikov, hailed the event as “a continuation of the deep spiritual dialogue between India and Russia.”
Cultural Exchange and Tourism Push
To mark the occasion, Kalmykia’s N.N. Palmov National Museum has opened a new exhibition, “The Sacred Heritage of the Shakyas,” featuring replicas of ancient Indian Buddhist sculptures gifted by the Government of India. The exhibition celebrates a shared civilizational connection that dates back over two millennia.
The Republic is also developing a new “Buddhist Park” in Elista — envisioned as a global pilgrimage and cultural hub, where countries including India will have dedicated zones to represent their sacred sites. The first installation, a statue of Green Tara, marks the beginning of this ambitious international project.
A New Gateway for Indian Travellers
Beyond spiritual tourism, Kalmykia’s leadership is keen to attract Indian tour operators, investors, and wellness enterprises. With vast open landscapes, a growing hospitality sector, and plans for eco and cultural tourism circuits, the region is positioning itself as an emerging destination for India–Russia tourism cooperation.
Kalmykia’s invitation signals a broader message — that India’s cultural and spiritual diplomacy is finding new resonance in Europe, with tourism emerging as a key driver of people-to-people and economic ties.
