Lucknow/Kushinagar (UP), March 31 Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said on Tuesday that while several parts of the world face conflict and uncertainty, Lord Buddha's teachings remind humanity of the path of peace, compassion, and dialogue.
"By hosting the international Buddhist conclave in Kushinagar, our effort is to encourage global conversations on harmony, understanding, and coexistence," said Jaiveer.
Speaking at the International Buddhist Conclave 2026 at Mahaparinirvan Sthal in Kushinagar, BJP leader Dinesh Pratap Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message that this is not an era of war, but of the Buddha.
Dinesh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in Uttar Pradesh, said when many nations are embroiled in conflict and war, India is steadfastly advancing along the path of development.
The three-day conclave, organized from March 31 to April 2, aims to create a collaborative international platform for dialogue on Buddhist philosophy, cultural heritage, peace, and sustainable development, the UP government said in a statement.
Monks, scholars, policymakers, and youth from across the world turned up to reflect on the contemporary relevance of Gautama Buddha's teachings.
A short film on 'Buddha's Kushinagar' was screened.
Dinesh said the conclave will establish a connection between Jainism and Buddhism.
Emphasizing the international outreach of the state's Buddhist heritage, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said Uttar Pradesh has reinforced its position as a global center of Buddhist pilgrimage, recording nearly 8.2 million visitors across its Buddhist Circuit in 2025, including over 4.4 lakh international travelers.
The international Buddhist conclave in Kushinagar will further strengthen global engagement with the state's Buddhist heritage and promote cultural exchange and spiritual tourism, he said.