International Conference on India–Nepal Ties, Neighbourhood Diplomacy and Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings

Feb. 26-27, 2025

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The South Asia Foundation (SAF) and Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), in partnership with Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU), successfully convened an international conference in New Delhi exploring the intersection of India–Nepal relations, regional diplomacy, and the enduring relevance of Buddha’s teachings. The South Asia Centre for Peace Research and Sustainable Development (SACPRSD), LBU played a pivotal role in organizing this landmark gathering.

Supported by the B.P. Koirala Foundation, the Embassy of Nepal in India, the Embassy of India in Nepal, and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the event brought together academics, diplomats, policymakers, and peace practitioners to forge dialogue on peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

Key Objectives

• Explore Buddha’s teachings as a guiding force for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development
• Strengthen India–Nepal ties through shared heritage and dialogue
• Foster academic collaboration between Indian universities and SACPRSD, LBU
• Advance regional peace research initiatives anchored in Buddhist values of non-violence, compassion, and tolerance

Conference Highlights

Day 1: Key Sessions and Speakers

The conference opened with a virtual address by Prof. Subarna Lal Bajracharya, Vice Chancellor of LBU, followed by distinguished speakers:

• Amb. Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Nepal’s Ambassador to India, emphasized the value of dialogue for strengthening bilateral relations.
• Prof. Abhay Kumar Singh, Nalanda University, spoke on the contemporary relevance of Buddha’s teachings.
• Prof. Priyankar Upadhyaya, UNESCO Chair for Peace, underscored collaborations between Indian universities and SACPRSD, LBU.
• Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, ICWA, highlighted the Eightfold Path as a framework for foreign policy and proposed a “Generational Pact” (GenPact) for moral upliftment in diplomacy.
• Amb. Manjeev Singh Puri and Sh. Sunil Sakya (SAF-Nepal) reflected on SACPRSD’s regional importance and its mission to advance Buddha’s message of peace.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed virtually among leading universities and institutions including BHU, MIT-WPU, Nalanda University, Jamia Millia Islamia, International Buddhist Confederation, and SACPRSD, LBU—paving the way for faculty exchange, joint research, and academic collaboration.

Sessions further explored:

• India–Nepal Relations & Regional Diplomacy
• Shared Heritage & Neighbourhood Diplomacy
• Peacebuilding & Buddha’s Teachings in a Regional Context

Day 2: Geopolitics & Future Pathways

• Scholars and policymakers examined geopolitical challenges in South Asia, emphasizing the role of Buddha’s philosophy in bridging divides.
• Discussions on course development for SACPRSD engaged experts from LBU, BHU, MIT-WPU, Nalanda, Jamia Millia Islamia, and AMU. The session focused on designing academic programs, peace research modules, and sustainable development initiatives tailored to South Asia’s needs.

Closing Session

The two-day deliberations concluded with:

• A renewed commitment to India–Nepal cooperation, grounded in shared heritage and diplomacy.
• Strengthened academic networks linking LBU, SACPRSD, and Indian universities.
• Recognition of Buddha’s teachings as a moral compass for addressing regional and global challenges.
• A call to advance policy dialogues, peacebuilding research, and sustainable development initiatives across South Asia.

Conclusion

The two-day conference provided a platform for scholars, diplomats, and policymakers to engage in discussions on India-Nepal relations, neighborhood diplomacy, and the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. The event fostered academic collaborations, strengthened bilateral ties, and promoted a shared vision of peace and sustainable development.

The deliberations underscored the importance of regional cooperation, cultural heritage, and Buddhist philosophy in addressing contemporary challenges. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to further academic exchanges and policy dialogues to build a peaceful and prosperous South Asia.

Dr. Subodh Chandra Bharti, Research Associate, presenting a paper entitled “Bridging Borders Through the Buddhist Circuit” on the 27th February 2025.

Inaugural Remarks by Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary, ICWA, at the International Conference

Some glimpses from the conference: