International Buddhist Confederation

24/08/2026

The Secretary General of IBC was invited for luncheon meeting by Mr. Nikolai Ashanin, Kaa-Khem Khural of Representatives in the Republic of Tuva in . Mr. Ashanin spoke about the Buddha Dhamma tradition in Tuva and expressed his appreciation for the Secretary General's participation in the . He also recalled that, in the 1990s, Buddhist monks would meditate in the mountain caves of the regions in , reflecting Tuva’s enduring spiritual heritage.

The Secretary General of IBC also had a warm and heartfelt interaction with a group of Buddhist monks. Having all undertaken their studies in Mundgod in Karnataka (India), the monks shared memories of their monastic and educational journey, creating a meaningful sense of familiarity and connection with their Indian civilisational roots. The meeting reflected shared learning that continues to unite the Buddhist community across regions, through related global activities/events organised by the IBC.

24/08/2026

In an interview with Russian media, Secretary General of IBC highlighted how the Buddha Dhamma has been a powerful bridge between India and Russia, connecting shared values of peace, compassion and harmony. He spoke on India-Russia cultural diplomacy and the civilisational bond between the two nations.
He observed that while every nation's history has had uncertainties, there is currently a global trend of nations striving to preserve and enrich their cultural and religious heritage. Further, he stated that the Buddhist tradition is followed today in over 90 countries, and Tuva reflects this growth, with nearly 80% of its population now Buddhists.


Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Russian Foreign Ministry - МИД России
India in Russia (Embassy of India, Moscow)

24/08/2026

As part of the (IBF) in the Republic of Tuva in , the Secretary General of IBC participated in engagements organised under the official IBF programme, including an interview for a film being produced by the Forum’s organisers and a visit to the Tuva National Museum.

In addition to this, a soul-stirring musical offering to the Three Jewels by unfolded at Thubten Shedrub Ling, Tuva’s largest monastery, as part of the Forum. Artists from Tuva, Buryatia and Kalmykia, the three major Buddhist Republics in Russia, came together in a powerful expression of devotion and Buddhist heritage. The Secretary General joined monks from across the globe in a gathering that reflected a shared spirit of harmony.

At Svatikovo Ozoro Lake in , local devotees were honoured to receive blessings from the Secretary General of IBC. The visit was further marked by a puja performed at the site, deepening the spiritual resonance.

Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Russian Foreign Ministry - МИД России
India in Russia (Embassy of India, Moscow)

24/08/2026

A spiritually moving visit by the Secretary General of IBC to the Stupa commemorating Geshe Lobsang Thubten in , where he was warmly welcomed by the local Buddhist community. He offered Dhamma talk to the assembled devotees.

Geshe Lobsang Thubten came to Tuva from India in 1995 and taught the Dhamma in the Tuvan language. His role was prominent in the revival of the Buddha Dhamma in the region. The Secretary General and Geshe Lobsang Thubten were fellow monastics who trained together, making this visit a deeply personal tribute to a shared spiritual journey. The warmthreflected the deep respect and affection the local community holds for the Secretary General, with devotees lining up to receive his blessings.


Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Russian Foreign Ministry - МИД России
India in Russia (Embassy of India, Moscow)

24/08/2026

Continuing engagements after his address at the Plenary Session of the at Republic of Tuva in , Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche held important meetings with His Excellency Vladislav Tovarishchtayovich Khovalyg, Head of the Republic of ; Mr. Choksum Chechen Dugurzhapovich, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Tuva; and the Head of Thubten Shedrub Ling, the main monastery of Kyzyl, Tuva. He discussed wide-ranging issues relating to the civilisational and contemporaneous relevance of the Buddha Dhamma, and collaborative efforts between the IBC and the Russian Buddhist community.

Secretary General of IBC was also invited by local devotees to the Lamrin monastery where he performed a chanting ceremony and blessed the devotees.

Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India
Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Russian Foreign Ministry - МИД России
India in Russia (Embassy of India, Moscow)

18/08/2026

Speaking at the ‘Plenary Session’ of the ‘4th International Buddhist Forum’ in the Republic of in , IBC Secretary General Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche expressed great privilege in representing the IBC at such a celebrated international gathering, bringing together many important voices from across the Buddhist world.

He emphasised that India is home to not only the largest number of Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, but also that Buddhism is the most valuable civilisational heritage of India which is a gift to the global Buddhist community.

He noted that Buddhism having presence now in over 90 countries indicates it being not a minor tradition but truly an influential way of life. He emphasised that notwithstanding the shrinking number of monastics worldwide, Buddhism holds within it the enabling instrumentalities to benefit all sentient beings on earth because common societal good and well-being remain the central message of the Buddha Dhamma. It thus remains as relevant today as it was 2500 years ago.

He recalled the successful holding of the Holy Relics exposition in by India last year, and reaffirmed it as the continuing commitment of India to share this most revered heritage with the world. Extending this spirit of exchange further, he stated that India and Russia share a time-tested friendship that extends naturally to preserve Buddhist heritage. From Russian pilgrims visiting various Buddhist sites in India to monks from different republics in Russia studying at various monastic institutions in India, the Buddhist ties between the two nations continue to grow stronger.


Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India

30/07/2026

The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi in collaboration with the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, celebrated as at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh presided by Sh. Keshav Prasad Maurya Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh as the Chief Guest.
The event commenced with sacred chanting in Pali, Sanskrit and Tibetan by venerable Sangha members, followed by the welcome address by Ven. Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General IBC; it was followed by Dhamma Discourse by the President of Indo-Sri Lanka International Buddhist Association, Ven. Dr. K. Siri Sumedha Thero.

The welcome address and Dhamma Discourse was followed by Remarks of the Vice Chancellor CIHTS, Ven. Prof. Wangchuk Dorjee Negi, and a skit on the significance of Asadha Purnima performed by the students of CIHTS.

The Chief Guest, Sh Keshav Prasad Maurya, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of delivered the special address, which was followed by the Vote of Thanks by the Director General IBC, Sh. Raghav Prasad Bhatnagar at the close of the DhammacakkappavattanaDivas Celebration.

29/07/2026

holds deep reverence in the Buddhist tradition and is esteemed as the second most sacred observance after Vaiśākha Buddha Pūrṇimā.

Today, the 29th of July 2026, The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), New Delhi in collaboration with the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, will be celebrating Āṣāḍha Pūrṇimā as .
This year's observance is especially momentous as it coincides with Sarnath's inscription as India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan. This long-overdue global recognition affirms Sarnath's outstanding universal value as one of Buddhism's most sacred pilgrimage sites and a shared heritage of humanity.

Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Keshav Prasad Maurya
Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India

14/07/2026

06/07/2026

The International Buddhist Confederation extends deepest respect and heartfelt greetings to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the occasion of His 91st birthday.

His Holiness has inspired generations across the world with his lifelong dedication to compassion, humanity, peace, and universal values. His unwavering message of kindness, dialogue and mutual respect remains all the more profoundly relevant globally.

May His wisdom continue to inspire us all to work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.

Ministry of Culture, Government of India
PMO India