How PM Modi made Buddhism an instrument of India’s foreign policy for global harmony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the renowned Wat Pho Temple, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as part of his Thailand visit and is also scheduled to travel to the Mahabodhi Temple during his trip to Sri Lanka, exemplifying PM’s commitment to placing Buddhism at the forefront of India’s foreign policy and reinforcing the country’s role as a global hub for Buddhist culture.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Today, I had the honour of visiting the historic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan Or Wat Pho in Bangkok. I thank Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the special gesture of coming to the Temple with me.”

Today, I had the honour of visiting the historic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimonmangkalaram Ratchaworamahawihan Or Wat Pho in Bangkok. I thank Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for the special gesture of coming to the Temple with me. One of Thailand’s most revered spiritual… pic.twitter.com/5xIDGPmcrX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

He said Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s most revered spiritual landmarks, symbolises Thailand’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

“World over, people derive strength from Lord Buddha’s teachings. These teachings also form the basis of an age-old civilisational bond between India and Thailand. Also got the opportunity to interact with several monks,” he added.

In 2024, during the India-ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Modi presented a vintage brass Buddha statue to Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, symbolising the shared heritage and India’s commitment to cultural diplomacy.

That same year, India sent several sacred relics of Lord Buddha and his disciples, Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Maha Moggallana, to Thailand. An Indian delegation took these relics to Bangkok, where they were displayed for 25 days across four cities.

In 2023, PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Bal Bodhi Tree at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi, strengthening the long-standing Buddhist ties between India and Japan. India also hosted the first-ever Global Buddhist Summit, where scholars and practitioners discussed contemporary challenges through Buddhist philosophy, with PM Modi emphasising that Buddha’s teachings offer solutions to global issues.

In 2022, PM Modi visited Lumbini in Nepal on Buddha Purnima where he laid the foundation stone for the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage, a significant project aimed at promoting Buddhist culture and enhancing Indo-Nepal spiritual ties.

That same year, India sent the Kapilavastu Relics, four Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, to Mongolia for an 11-day exposition during Mongolian Buddha Purnima celebrations. A 25-member delegation accompanied the relics to the Batsagaan Temple in the Gandan Monastery complex in Ulaanbaatar, showcasing India’s dedication to Buddhist diplomacy and cultural exchange.

In 2019, PM Modi and Mongolia’s President Khaltmaagiin Battulga jointly unveiled a statue of Lord Buddha and his two disciples at the historic Gandan Tegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar.

In 2018, PM Modi visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, highlighting India’s respect for Singapore’s Buddhist heritage and reinforcing cultural connections.

In 2017, Modi’s Buddhist outreach was evident during his visit to Sri Lanka, where he addressed the International Vesak Day Celebrations in Colombo and visited the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, deepening cultural and religious bonds between India and Sri Lanka.

In 2016, during a trip to Vietnam, PM Modi toured the Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, engaging with Buddhist monks and emphasizing India’s commitment to Buddhist diplomacy in Southeast Asia.

In 2015, he strengthened India’s Buddhist ties with multiple nations, visiting the Da Xingshan Temple and Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, China, to highlight the historical exchanges between the two countries. He also visited the Gandan Monastery in Mongolia and paid homage at the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, reinforcing India’s connection to one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites.

In 2014, PM Modi explored the Toji and Kinkaku-ji temples in Kyoto, Japan, and attended a luncheon hosted by the Kyoto Buddhist Association, demonstrating his commitment to engaging with global Buddhist leaders.

In India, Modi’s government has made significant strides in promoting Buddhist heritage. The development of the Buddhist Circuit, which traces key sites associated with Lord Buddha’s life, has enhanced pilgrimage tourism.

The introduction of the Mahaparinirvan Express tourist train offers an immersive experience across India and Nepal’s revered Buddhist locations.

The Kushinagar International Airport has improved access to pilgrimage sites, while the revival of Nalanda University reestablishes India as a center for Buddhist learning. Additionally, the recognition of Pali as a classical language ensures the preservation of Buddhist literature.

PM Modi’s emphasis on Buddhism reflects India’s commitment to cultural and spiritual leadership. His deep engagement with Buddhist heritage underscores India’s dedication to peace, harmony, and shared cultural values, reinforcing its role as a global center promoting the principles of Buddhism.