Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha met Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia in Russia, during his visit to bring back the sacred relics of Lord Buddha after a weeklong exposition. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual relationship between India and Russia.

“It was a pleasure meeting with His Excellency Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov. Our discussion was highly productive, covering key issues and reinforcing our shared heritage,” Sinha posted on X. Earlier, he paid obeisance at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery in Elista, where the relics from India were enshrined.

Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the sacred responsibility, noting that the visit reaffirmed India’s ancient spiritual connection with Kalmykia — a region with a significant Buddhist population.

Kashmir’s historical Buddhist sites such as Harwan, Ushkur, and Ambaran have long symbolized India’s role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. Through this visit, Sinha highlighted how shared faith and heritage continue to strengthen India-Russia relations, promoting peace, cultural understanding, and global harmony.