World Buddhist Leaders Converge in New Delhi for Second Global Buddhist Summit 2026
New Delhi, India — Leaders, scholars, monks, and Buddhist practitioners from across more than 40 countries gathered in India’s capital this week for the Second Global Buddhist Summit, a landmark diplomatic and spiritual event held from 24–25 January 2026 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre. Organized by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Culture, the summit aimed to apply Buddhist teachings to pressing global issues and reinforce international cooperation rooted in peace and coexistence.
The summit’s official theme, “Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence,” underscored a shared commitment to fostering social harmony, compassionate action, and collective responses to conflict, environmental challenges, and social divisions. Delegates included senior monastic leaders, heads of national Buddhist Sanghas, scholars, policymakers, and lay practitioners. Overall participation exceeded 800 individuals, with over 200 international delegates in attendance.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted India’s role as a global hub for Buddhist dialogue during the summit’s inaugural session. Addressing attendees, he noted that the country has taken “proactive responsibility in providing an international platform for Buddhist monks, gurus, scholars, and thinkers,” reinforcing India’s enduring commitment to peace and spiritual harmony under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Participants explored varied topics linking ancient Buddhist principles with contemporary concerns. Sessions examined collective social harmony, ethical leadership, entrepreneurship aligned with Dharma values, scientific research, healthcare, sustainable living, and educational strategies rooted in Buddha’s teachings. The discussions emphasized how Buddhist philosophy could inform public policy and global cooperation.
Among the international delegations, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) sent a senior contingent led by Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the VBS Executive Council. In remarks to the press, the Vietnamese delegation noted that the summit theme resonated deeply with Buddhist values of peace and solidarity that guide their participation in global Buddhist affairs.
The summit also served as a platform for educational cooperation, with Nalanda University’s Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi reaffirming the institution’s historical and contemporary role in Buddhist scholarship and international dialogue. Chaturvedi engaged with global representatives on expanding academic collaboration and strengthening institutional partnerships in Buddhist studies.
Cultural Diplomacy and Republic Day Honors
In a unique cultural celebration tied to the summit, a large group of international monks and nuns representing 40 countries were invited as honoured guests at India’s Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2026. The Ministry of Culture said their participation highlighted the relevance of Buddhist wisdom in promoting peace, compassion, and mutual coexistence — aligning with India’s broader message of peaceful conflict resolution and global solidarity.
The event reinforced India’s cultural diplomacy strategy, using spiritual and philosophical exchange as a bridge for international dialogue and goodwill — especially significant as global tensions persist in multiple regions. By bringing together diverse Buddhist traditions and leaders, New Delhi positioned itself as a vital center for spiritual diplomacy and global cooperative engagement rooted in universal values.
