The Honorable Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia — the only traditionally Buddhist region in Europe and a federal subject of the Russian Federation — arrived in Nepal on an official visit as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote interregional cooperation. His visit marks a significant step in the humanitarian and cultural dialogue between Russia and Nepal.
As part of his visit, Mr. Khasikov held a high-level meeting with the Right Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. The meeting, which was also attended by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal, H.E. Alexey A. Novikov, included a substantive discussion on a wide array of topics of mutual interest. The leaders exchanged views on advancing economic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people ties between Kalmykia and Nepal, with a shared understanding of the importance of strengthening grassroots diplomacy in today’s geopolitical context.
A central theme of the meeting was the possibility of resuming direct air connectivity between Nepal and Russia. Particular attention was given to exploring flight options that could link Kathmandu with Elista, the capital of Kalmykia. Such a route, the participants agreed, would not only provide a unique gateway for Nepalese pilgrims and travelers to a region rich in Buddhist heritage, but also boost tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
Further discussions focused on the development of cooperation in sectors such as public health, agriculture, education, and academic research. Both sides emphasized the importance of institutional exchanges and the training of specialists in fields including traditional and modern medicine, sustainable farming technologies, and higher education. Mr. Khasikov expressed Kalmykia’s readiness to host Nepali students and researchers in regional universities and research centers, particularly those engaged in the study of Buddhist philosophy, ecology, and rural development.
An especially heartfelt topic for the Head of Kalmykia was his deep appreciation for Nepal’s rich traditions in Buddhist art. Mr. Khasikov conveyed a strong interest in learning from Nepalese masters in the fields of Buddhist painting (thangka), wood carving, and sacred decorative arts. He emphasized that such craftsmanship not only represents an invaluable cultural asset, but also serves as a spiritual bridge between the peoples of Nepal and Kalmykia.
The humanitarian dimension of the dialogue featured prominently throughout the discussions. Mr. Khasikov extended a formal invitation to Prime Minister Oli to attend the upcoming International Buddhist Summit to be held in Elista in September this year. He underlined the significance of Nepal’s participation in the event, given the country’s profound Buddhist legacy and its respected standing in the global Buddhist community. Furthermore, the Head of Kalmykia encouraged the Government of Nepal to consider dispatching a high-level delegation to the summit, which is expected to include spiritual leaders, scholars, and policymakers from across the Buddhist world.
In closing, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding the Russia-Nepal partnership beyond the traditional diplomatic framework, with a focus on humanitarian engagement, interfaith dialogue, and civilizational exchange.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Ambassador of Russia to Nepal, H.E. Alexey A. Novikov, presented the Prime Minister of Nepal with a copy of the English-language edition of “Roads of Victory” by Russian Diplomat Alexander Turovsky — a moving tribute to the heroism and legacy of those who fought for peace and freedom including brave Nepali soldiers who also fought colonialism and fascism.
