India and Russia are reinforcing their long-standing relationship through cultural and spiritual exchanges, particularly focusing on Buddhism and leveraging soft power initiatives. This collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral ties and foster greater understanding between the two nations.
One significant example of this strengthened bond is the recent exposition of sacred Buddha relics from India in Kalmykia, Russia. Kalmykia, the only Buddhist-majority region in Europe, witnessed an overwhelming response, with nearly 100,000 devotees paying homage to the relics at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery. The event served as a "spiritual bridge" between India and Russia, reviving historical Buddhist links and showcasing India's commitment to cultural diplomacy. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, led the delegation to bring the relics back to India after their exposition. Sinha highlighted the event as a "historic homecoming of faith" for the people of Kalmykia and emphasized its role in strengthening the connection between the two nations. He also noted that India and Russia will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 and are planning various bilateral events to mark this milestone. An India festival is also planned for April 2026 in Kalmykia.
Cultural exchange programs have long been a cornerstone of India-Russia relations. These programs encompass a wide range of activities, including the exchange of music, dance, and theater groups, film festivals, art and photo exhibitions, and thematic seminars. Both countries have also established cultural centers to promote their respective cultures, such as the Russian Centers of Science and Culture in India and the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre in Moscow. These centers play a vital role in disseminating Indian culture in Russia and vice versa, offering classes in languages, yoga, dance, and music.
Bollywood's popularity in Russia serves as another strong element of India's soft power. Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the immense popularity of Indian cinema in Russia, even noting the existence of a dedicated Bollywood TV channel. This cultural phenomenon contributes significantly to people-to-people ties and enhances understanding between the two cultures. Furthermore, Russia is seeking to enhance people-to-people ties and employment opportunities, including the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.
The use of soft power extends beyond cultural exchanges and also includes cooperation in education, technology, and other areas. Both countries recognize the importance of expanding partnerships in fields like nanotechnology, biotechnology, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. There are also student exchange programs between the two countries. Moreover, Russia can assist India in various aspects of Arctic cooperation and energy resources, especially after India released its "India's Arctic policy".
Despite some challenges, such as India's growing strategic ties with Western countries and concerns about China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region, the India-Russia relationship remains strong. Both countries view each other as "all-weather friends" and continue to collaborate on various geopolitical and global matters. By strengthening their cultural and spiritual bonds, India and Russia aim to add new dimensions to their cooperation and further solidify their long-lasting friendship.
