Kalmykia Seeks Indian Partnerships in Tourism and Investment

Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region, the Republic of Kalmykia, is widening its welcome to Indian visitors, offering a rare blend of spiritual heritage, distinctive culture, and pristine nature. With upgraded tourism infrastructure and easier transport links, Kalmykia is swiftly becoming an attractive destination for travellers from India.

Spiritual Heritage: A Living Bridge Between Cultures

Kalmykia and India have built a distinctive relationship, rooted in shared spiritual values and mutual respect. The Republic regards India as a key partner in preserving cultural heritage and advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, and enlightenment.

On October 11, one of the most revered Buddhist relics, the Kapilavastu relics, housed at the National Museum of India, arrived in the Kalmyk capital, accompanied by a high‑level Indian delegation. These relics are among the world’s most venerated and are associated with the historical founder of Buddhism, Buddha Shakyamuni. From 11 to 18 October, they will be exhibited at the Central Khurul “Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” in Elista.

The Sacred Kapilavastu Relics were discovered in 1898 by British archaeologist William Claxton Peppe during excavations of a stupa at Piprahwa (Basti district, Uttar Pradesh). In the 1970s, Indian archaeologist KM Srivastava conducted further excavations that helped identify the site as ancient Kapilavastu, the capital of the Shakya kingdom, where Buddha Shakyamuni spent his childhood.

According to Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, the highest-ranking spiritual leader of the Indian delegation, “Kalmykia will become a beacon of Buddhist spirituality for all of Europe,” because “the sacred relics have recognised your land as a place of pilgrimage.”

The Indian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of External Affairs, as well as spiritual leaders and monks from leading Buddhist communities.

Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, commented, “Elista is one of Russia’s spiritual centres, and this great honour bestowed upon the capital of Kalmykia by the Indian side is undoubtedly a significant event. At the same time, it aligns with the logical progression of historical interreligious and intercultural dialogue between India and Russia. We are proud that our region contributes to this dialogue.”

Geshe Yonten, Head of the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists of Russia, added, “For Russian Buddhists, this will become a major milestone in history. Kalmykia, renowned for its rich Buddhist traditions, attracts pilgrims from around the world. Now, we have the unique opportunity to venerate the relics and receive blessings from Shakyamuni Buddha himself. This event will fill hearts with joy, strengthen our spiritual connection with the Buddha, and help accumulate virtuous karma.”

A unique Buddhist exhibition titled “The Sacred Heritage of the Shakyas” has opened at the N. N. Palmov National Museum of the Republic of Kalmykia, specially organised to mark the arrival of the sacred relics. India has gifted the museum a collection of replicas — 16 stone figurines and relief fragments dating from the 2nd to the 11th centuries CE. These are copies of sculptures from the National Museum of India, depicting deities and scenes from the life of Gautama Buddha. This event, of profound spiritual and cultural significance not only for Kalmykia but for all of Russia, was made possible through the long‑standing friendship between the two countries.

Furthermore, Elista is developing the “Buddhist Park” project, which will provide India and other countries with dedicated spaces to present their national sacred sites and cultural traditions. The project’s foundation has already been laid, and negotiations have been held with several foreign states. The Republic of Kalmykia has, in turn, installed its first sculpture — a statue of Green Tara.

Buddhist Treasures of Kalmykia

Beyond Elista, Kalmykia offers a network of sacred sites that make it a unique destination for pilgrims and cultural travellers:

• The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni — Europe’s largest Buddhist temple, home to a nine-metre statue of Buddha and a vast library of scriptures.
• Syakyusn-Syum (“Temple in the Desert”) — a revered 17th‑century monastery in the Tselinny District.
• The Khurul in Ketchenery (“Tsanid Chööra Khurul”) — a vital spiritual centre symbolising the revival of spiritual traditions that preserve the culture, native language, and centuries‑old wisdom of the ancestors.
• Smaller khuruls (monasteries) across rural areas, where visitors can witness how Buddhism is woven into everyday steppe life.

Nature and Eco-Tourism

Kalmykia’s landscapes are as unique as its culture, offering:

• endless steppe dotted with herds of rare saiga antelopes,
• the UNESCO‑listed Black Lands Biosphere Reserve,
• mineral-rich salt lakes and healing springs,
• ethno-tours with overnight stays in traditional nomadic yurts and immersion in steppe traditions.

According to Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Kalmykia led the country in tourism growth between January and June 2025, with tourist arrivals up by 81.7% compared with the same period last year.

Modern Tourism Infrastructure

Kalmykia is adapting its services for international guests: modern hotels and guesthouses, boutique “ethno‑hotels” in traditional Kalmyk style, restaurants blending European and Asian cuisines, and trained multilingual guides. In 2024, Elista’s international airport reopened after a major renovation.

Investment Opportunities

Alongside tourism, Kalmykia is opening doors to Indian business in several promising sectors:

• Agro‑industry — one of Russia’s leaders in sheep and cattle farming, Kalmykia is expanding processing and exports, creating opportunities in food security.
• Renewable energy — the vast steppes are ideal for wind and solar farms, where India, a global leader in green energy, could play a key role.
• Pharmaceuticals and wellness — clean, unspoilt land provides excellent conditions for cultivating medicinal herbs and developing natural remedies, paving the way for joint projects with Indian pharma companies.
• IT and digital services — new technology clusters and outsourcing hubs are taking shape, offering collaboration opportunities with India’s IT sector.