India to Russia: A Remarkable Journey of Buddha Dhamma
India to Russia: A Remarkable Journey of Buddha Dhamma
by Ms. Shalini Chauhan, Research Consultant at IBC
The journey of Buddhism from India to Russia reflects centuries of cultural exchange and spiritual resilience. Beginning in India, the Dharma spread along the Silk Road through Central Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia before reaching Russian lands. The Kushan Empire, Mongol adoption of Tibetan Buddhism, and the migration of the Kalmyks helped anchor the faith in Siberia and the Volga. Communities such as the Buryats and Tuvinians further adapted Buddhism, blending it with local traditions while retaining its universal values.
Today, Buddhism thrives in Russia with over one million practitioners, concentrated in Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva. Despite suppression during the Soviet era, the tradition revived in the 1990s with rebuilt temples, restored monastic communities, and renewed cultural pride. Interest among ethnic Russians has also grown, reflecting the universal appeal of meditation, mindfulness, and philosophy. The spiritual bond between India and Russia remains strong through pilgrimages, cultural diplomacy, and academic cooperation. The upcoming 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Kalmykia (September 2025), featuring sacred relics from India and a Shakyamuni statue, symbolizes this continuity and highlights Buddhism as a lasting bridge of peace, dialogue, and unity.
Note: The views expressed are of the author and do not reflect the views of the Centre for National Security Studies (CNSS).