What happened
On October 1, 2025, India, through the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and its Gyan Bharatam mission under the Ministry of Culture, formally presented the complete 108-volume set of the Mongolian Kangyur to ten leading monasteries and institutions across Russia. The handover took place at the Third International Buddhist Forum in Elista, held from September 25–28, and was facilitated by IBC representative Chandan Kumar. Portions of the volumes were transported in large trunks to Kalmykia, with the remainder to follow along with a holy relic. The Kangyur, which contains the direct teachings of the Buddha, is accompanied by the Tengyur, comprising commentaries by great masters.
Why it matters to India
This initiative reinforces India’s role as a bridge-builder in transnational Buddhist culture, preserving and promoting sacred Buddhist texts that had been lost or endangered during Mongolia’s socialist era. By providing the 108-volume Mongolian Kangyur to Russian institutions, India facilitates the study, chanting, and practice of Buddha’s teachings, strengthening cultural and religious ties. This effort continues a decades-long tradition of preserving Buddhist textual heritage, beginning with microfilm copies secured by Indian scholars in the 1950s and subsequent reprints under the National Mission for Manuscripts, reflecting India’s commitment to safeguarding and sharing Buddhist knowledge globally.