Global Buddhist Summit

Global Buddhist Summit
 

News: PM Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated first Global Buddhist Summit on 20th April.
 

Background:
 The summit holds importance for India as a strategic card as well as The Dalai Lama was part of the summit and also spoke about how Buddhist teachings gave him courage to face Tibet’s struggle.
 The summit was conducted by The Ministry of Culture + International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
 Theme - “Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis.”
 The summit aims to enhance cultural and diplomatic relationships with other countries and mark the significance and importance of India in Buddhism, as Buddhism was born in India.
 

Importance of hosting the Global Buddhist Summit:
 Providing a platform for The Dalai Lama to speak on Tibet.
 India has shown it is committed for the Tibetan cause and is exerting pressure on China through Buddhism.
 India is leveraging its historical and cultural ties and using its deep rooted connection to Buddhism.
 Owning up its Buddhist legacy and using it as matter of diplomacy and turning India as a hub of Buddhist faith.
 

What are India’s 3 decisive moves to counter China?
 Hosting the Global Buddhist Summit.
 India’s engagement with Buddhist monks and scholar in Zemithang, Arunachal Pradesh. When Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, his first stop was at Zemithang.

 Turning India into a hub of Buddhism through The Buddhist Circuit. There are plans to restore ancient Buddhist sites, sacred books.
 

Conclusion
 India is following a multi-pronged approach to protect Buddhism and at the same time countering China’s moves.