Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, met Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia in Russia, to discuss strengthening cultural and spiritual ties between the two regions. The meeting focused on fostering long-term cooperation and building connections through cultural exchange programs.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged Kalmykia's role in facilitating the visit of holy relics of Lord Buddha to the region. He highlighted that this visit reflects the deep-rooted relations between India and Russia, which will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic ties in 2027. Preparations for marking this milestone with bilateral events and initiatives are already underway.
Sinha also noted that an India Festival is being planned for April 2026 in Kalmykia. The festival is expected to showcase Indian culture, arts, and traditions, strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting tourism and cultural awareness. Efforts are being made to ensure the festival becomes a grand success, enhancing mutual understanding between India and Russia.
This meeting comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is focusing on improving international cooperation in cultural, educational, and spiritual spheres. The engagement with Kalmykia is part of broader efforts to build partnerships that can bring economic, cultural, and social benefits to the region.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of sustaining cultural diplomacy to strengthen ties between regions. By highlighting shared spiritual heritage and promoting collaborative events, both sides aim to foster goodwill and deeper mutual respect.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for continued collaboration between Jammu and Kashmir and Kalmykia in the years ahead, with a focus on cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and strategic partnerships that celebrate shared history and traditions.
This engagement reinforces India’s commitment to strengthening international cultural relations and marks another step toward expanding global cooperation beyond conventional diplomacy.
