India and Russia are developing a trade route from Vladivostok in Russia’s Far-East Region to the port of Chennai on India’s southern seaboard, New Delhi’s ambassador to Moscow Pavan Kapoor told the First Buddhist International Forum in the city of Ulan-Ude, located in Republic of Buryatia.
“Our countries are currently developing a trade route that goes from Vladivostok to Chennai. Ulan-Ude is a transportation hub that will contribute to the development of this eastern corridor," Kapoor expressed confidence.
The Indian Ambassador expressed confidence that Republic of Buryatia’s tourism potential will pique the interest of Indian travel companies, many of which he said would be participating in the annual Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) scheduled to take place in Vladivostok next month.
"I decided to take the opportunity to appreciate the tourism potential of Buryatia. We spent one night at Lake Baikal (largest freshwater lake in the world) and we want to note that the infrastructure is excellent, not to mention the nature,” Kapoor said.
Need to Explore Links Buddhist Linkages Between India, Russia
Kapoor added that India and Russia, officially ‘Special and Privileged Strategic’ partners, share a close connection, describing Buddhism as one of the components driving close relations between the two nations.
“The spiritual ties between Russia and India date back several millennia. Our common spiritual history is intertwined with the threads of Buddhism, which has transcended geographic boundaries and has become an integral part of our cultural ties,” the Indian Ambassador said.
He stressed that it was important for both governments to explore ancient links between the Indo-Himalayan form of Buddhism and the form of Buddhism followed in Russia, where Buddhism is one of the major religions in the Republic of Buryatia.
“It is a great honor and pleasure for me to meet Buddhist monks who studied in India. Usually, when I travel around the regions of Russia, I see Indian citizens who study in Russia,” Kapoor highlighted.