Kiren Rijiju arrives in Bhutan to lead delegation for return of sacred Buddha relics

Upon landing at Paro Airport, the Minister commenced the formal process for bringing back the holy relics, which have drawn unprecedented devotion and deep spiritual engagement from thousands of devotees across Bhutan during their stay.

During the visit, Rijiju had the honour of meeting Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan. The warm and cordial exchange reflected the enduring depth of the India–Bhutan friendship, anchored in mutual trust, respect, shared values and cultural affinity.

The Minister expressed profound appreciation for Bhutan’s heartfelt reverence for the sacred relics and noted that the spiritual legacy of Lord Buddha continues to strengthen the bonds of harmony between the two nations.

As part of the occasion, both sides jointly released a booklet on 23 sacred sites linked to Guru Rinpoche, reaffirming their shared cultural and spiritual heritage.

The booklet has been prepared by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in English, and translated into Dzongkha by the Embassy of India in Bhutan.

Rijiju remarked that the India–Bhutan relationship is “a timeless spiritual bond that has flowed through centuries—standing firm like the mountains and as pure as the ties of the heart.”

"Earlier today, the Minister departed from Air Force Station, Palam, to personally accompany the sacred relics back to India—marking a solemn and significant moment in India–Bhutan cultural cooperation," read a government statement.

The Sacred Buddha Relics will return to India on November 25, symbolising the shared Buddhist heritage of both nations and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening regional harmony, spiritual diplomacy, and cultural partnership.