Context:

Recently, India hosted the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th – 6th November 2024, in New Delhi.

Asian Buddhist Summit 2024

• Host of the Summit: The Union Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
• Theme of the summit: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia”. 
• The summit also featured a special exhibition titled “India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) Connecting Asia”.  
• It emphasizes the profound interconnection among Buddha Dhamma, India, and Asia.
• The Summit is also a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on the collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light. 

With this vision in mind, the Asian Buddhist Summit covered the following themes:

1. Buddhist Art, Architecture and Heritage

2. Buddha Cārikā and Dissemination of Buddha Dhamma

3. Role of Holy Buddhist Relics and its Relevance in Society

4. Significance of Buddha Dhamma in Scientific Research and Well-Being

5. Role of Buddhist Literature and Philosophy in 21st Century 

India’s initiative to enhance Buddhist Culture and Heritage

• Buddhist Tourism Circuit in India:  It is one of the fifteen thematic circuits identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan—Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourism Circuits Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism. It covers all sites related to Buddhism in the country, including Kapilvastu.
• First Global Buddhist Summit: It was hosted by India in 2023. It was focused on exploring methods for disseminating and internalizing universal values to promote interfaith dialogue, promoting harmony, and achieving universal peace.  
• First International Conference on Share Buddhist Heritage: India hosted an event under its leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to bring together Central Asian, East Asian, South Asian, and Arab countries to discuss "Shared Buddhist Heritage”
• One Day International Symposium on the Significance of Vipassana Meditation for Wellbeing & Global Peace: It was a question-and-answer session based on the differences between yoga and Vipassana, and connections to spirituality.
• Classical Status to Pali Language: Pali was officially granted classical language status in October 2024. Lord Buddha used Pali to deliver his sermons, establishing it as a vital medium for conveying his teachings. 
• International Abhidhamma Diwas: The Union Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) observed the International Abhidhamma (Higher teaching) Divas on 17th October.

About International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)

• It is a Buddhist umbrella body with its base in New Delhi that serves as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide.
• Following the Global Buddhist Congregation, held in November 2011 in New Delhi, the IBC was registered in New Delhi in November 2012 under the Societies Registration Act 1860.