Mongolia: Indian Embassy hosts visiting Buddhist monks, senior delegates
Ulaanbaatar, June 6
The Ambassador of India to Mongolia on Saturday hosted a lunch at the Embassy Residence for the Buddhist monks and senior delegates who are on a visit to Mongolia as part of the delegation which brought the Holy Relics of the Lord Buddha's two Chief Disciples for an exposition in the country.
"On 06 June 2026, HE Mr Atul Malhari Gotsurve, Ambassador of India to Mongolia hosted a lunch at the Embassy Residence for the respected Buddhist monks and senior delegates who are on a visit to Mongolia as part of the delegation which brought the Holy Relics of the Lord Buddha's two Chief Disciples Arahant Sariputra and Arahant Maudgalyayana to Mongolia for the exposition at Gandan Monastery from 31 May - 09 June 2026," the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar of Mangolia wrote on X.
The relics arrived in the Mongolian capital on May 30 for a 10-day public exposition at the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery on the occasion of Mongolian Buddha Purnima.
The relics, which enjoy the status of the Head of State in terms of protocol and security, arrived in Ulaanbaatar by a special Indian Air Force (IAF) flight from New Delhi, accompanied by a high-level delegation led by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya.
The nearly 45-member delegation also includes senior officers and reputed monks from India and Sri Lanka. According to the Indian Embassy in Mongolia, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is also actively involved in the organisation of the important exposition.
Together, the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka, the National Museum of India under the Ministry of Culture, in association with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, brought the holy relics to Mongolia at the request of the Gandan Tegchenling Monastery.
"India and Mongolia are strategic partners and spiritual siblings with deep civilisation linkages due to Buddhism. In this context, the exposition is a good opportunity for the followers of Buddhism in Mongolia to pay their tributes to the relics of Lord Buddha's two chief disciples," the Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar mentioned.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's wonderful that India is showcasing these sacred relics abroad in such a respectful manner. As someone who follows Buddhist teachings, I appreciate how this connects our shared spiritual heritage across Asia. 🇮🇳🇲🇳
India-Mongolia relations are built on Buddhism, and such events reinforce that. The air force flight, state-level protocol—everything is top-notch. But I hope we also promote people-to-people exchanges, not just high-level ceremonies.
What a beautiful initiative! The cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia are truly unique. Seeing monks and delegates from Sri Lanka and India together shows unity through Buddhism. ✨
I'm glad the embassy hosted a lunch—diplomacy often works best over food! 😄 But I do wonder, are we doing enough to make such events accessible to ordinary Mongols? The exposition is great, but real connection happens at the grassroots.
India's soft power through Buddhism is commendable. The relics of Arahant Sariputra and Maudgalyayana are revered, and sharing them with Mongolia is a gesture of goodwill. Only issue: we should promote more such exchanges with East Asia.
*Namaste* to our Mongolian brothers and sisters! This is exactly how
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