BUDDHSIT PHILOSOPHY & BUDDHIST HERITAGE IS INDIA’S FOREIGNPOLICY FOR GLOBAL PEACE AND HARMONY

Buddhism, one of the world’s major religions, has its roots in ancient India. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as Buddha, meaning the “Enlightened One “. Over time, Buddhism spread from India to other parts of the world, including China, Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia. Prime Minister Modi places
Buddhism at the heart of India’s cultural diplomacy, emphasizing India’s role globally. Buddhism diplomacy has become an organizing principle of Modi’s ‘Act East’ policy, which aims to counter other neighbouring countries are actively the growing influence in the region by cultivating bilateral economic and strategic relations with Indo Pacific nations. PM Modi has made Buddhism a prominent feature of his international visits.

His visits to key Buddhist sites and initiatives like gifting relics and hosting summits underscore the commitment to strengthening spiritual ties and promoting peace through Buddhist philosophy. Buddhism is a foreign policy tool. India is using Buddhism advance its foreign policy objectives abroad, particularly in Asia, despite Buddhists accounting for less than region one percent of India’s total population. India has adopted the religion as a soft power tool to enhance bilateral relations in the region.