Restoring Nepal-Russia relations to level of Soviet era is current task: Khasikov

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 inter-regional cooperation. His visit marks a significant step in the humanitarian and cultural dialogue between Nepal and Russia. As part of his visit, Khasikov held a high-level meeting Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli with participation of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal, Aleksei A. Novikov. The meeting 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 Nepal and Kalmykia, with a shared understanding of the importance of strengthening grassroots diplomacy in today’s geopolitical context.

A central theme of the meeting, according to the Embassy of Russia, was the possibility of resuming direct air connectivity between Nepal and Russia. Particular attention was given to exploring flight options that could link Kathmandu or Lumbini 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, IT, sustainable farming technologies, and higher education. 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. Khasikov conveyed a strong interest in learning from Nepali 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. 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.

Given this backdrop, Nanda Lal Tiwari, Sub-Editor of The Rising Nepal and coordinator of the risingnepaldaily.com, talked with leader Khasikov about his visit and potential cooperation between Nepal and Russia as well as Kalmykia.

Excerpts:

How do you feel while visiting Nepal, birthplace of Buddha, as the Head of Republic of Kalmykia (a federal subject of the Russian Federation), the only traditionally Buddhist region in Europe, which also will host the Third International Buddhist Forum this September?

As a Buddhist, I have fulfilled my dream, and with a big joy I am here, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. In general, Nepal is a great spiritual energy. I am confident, this is symbolic that I am here as the leader of the Republic of Kalmykia which will host the third International Buddhist Forum in September this year, I have been infused with energy by visiting here. The Forum will host leaders of Buddhism around the world regardless of their schools and traditions of Buddhism. Without any doubt, it would be really great to welcome a delegation from Nepal. To conclude answer to the question, I feel really great to share this that I have also visited Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, during this visit.

Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia — the only traditionally Buddhist region in Europe and a federal subject of the Russian Federation, during his visit in Lumbini.

From your perspective, what are the most prominent spheres for cooperation between Nepal and Kalmykia Republic?

First of all, let me note that during the Soviet period, Russia and Nepal had a very high level of cooperation. And I believe that our current task, taking into consideration the spiritual connection between the two countries, is to restore the same level of relations between Russia and Nepal.

In general, if we are talking about directions of cooperation between the Republic of Kalmykia and Nepal, the areas could be education, agriculture, trade, Information Technology and tourism. As far as education sphere is concerned, we are ready to train medical professionals in our university and to provide necessary conditions for it. This is just an example of our potential cooperation.

You also held a meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Would you share the matters discussed during the meeting?

First of all, it was a great honour for me to meet right honourable Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a very wise and prominent leader. He has an immense life experience, and I am very pleased that during the whole of meeting he was sharing his experience with me and my team.

Batu Khasikov (left), Head of the Republic of Kalmykia — the only traditionally Buddhist region in Europe and a federal subject of the Russian Federation, with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

It was also really touchy to know that the Right Honourable Prime Minister really loves Russia and Russian people. He provided many historical facts with comfort. We exchanged congratulations with each other on recent Buddha Jayanti and the 80th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War. Obviously, we touched upon matters of cooperation. Some of the matters I mentioned above. Additionally, we particularly focused on air connection between Russia and Nepal and potentially between the Republic of Kalmykia and Nepal. There is an international airport in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia. Right Honourable Prime Minister has expressed his readiness to assign a delegation from Nepal to the Third International Buddhist Forum in Republic of Kalmykia in September this year. I am very impressed by the meeting and looking forward to developing our interactions and cooperation. Friendship between Russia and Nepal is forever. Before I end, I would like to wish for prosperity and thriving for Nepal and the people of Nepal.