Rajnath Singh meets Mongolian President Ukhnaa, gifts Khiching Stone Buddha as symbol of shared spiritual heritage
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, on October 14, 2025, during his state visit to India. In a meaningful gesture reflecting the two nations’ deep cultural ties, Singh presented Ukhnaa with a Khiching Stone Buddha, which symbolizes their shared Buddhist heritage, reports 24brussels.
The meeting, characterized by warm exchanges, focused on expanding collaborations and affirmed both leaders’ dedication to strengthening the India-Mongolia partnership. Singh stated, “Had a warm and wonderful conversation with my friend President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa in New Delhi. Exchanged views on efforts for diversification into new areas of cooperation, while also deepening existing programmes of shared interest. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the India-Mongolia partnership.”
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Khiching Granite Stone Buddha, an esteemed sculpture from Khiching in Odisha, India. This statue, carved from distinctive black chlorite stone, represents the Buddha in Dhyan Mudra (meditative posture), symbolizing enlightenment and wisdom. The gift exemplifies India’s rich artistic traditions and reinforces the historical and religious connections between India and Mongolia rooted in Buddhist teachings.
President Ukhnaa’s visit is significant, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that India would send the sacred relics of Arhant Sariputta and Arhant Mahamogallana to Mongolia in 2026, a gesture aimed at strengthening spiritual bonds after the historic exposition of the Kapilavastu relics in 2022. MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran shared this update during a briefing on the state visit and elaborated on additional initiatives designed to enhance India-Mongolia relations.
The Maha Bodhi Society of India notes that Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Moggallana were among the foremost disciples of Lord Buddha, providing further depth to this spiritual exchange between India and Mongolia.
