Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar (March 24, 2026): Nalanda University marked its distinguished presence at the international conference titled “Russia and India: Towards a New Bilateral Agenda”, held in Moscow. The conference, jointly organised by the Russian International Affairs Council and the Embassy of India in Moscow, brought together eminent policymakers, scholars, diplomats, and institutional representatives to deliberate on strengthening and diversifying India–Russia relations in an evolving global context.
The conference was inaugurated by an online address delivered by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, who underscored the importance of reinvigorating bilateral engagement through new frameworks of cooperation. The event witnessed the participation of several eminent personalities from diplomatic, academic, and policy-making domains.
The Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi, addressed the conference through a video message. In his remarks, he highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring ties between India and Russia, emphasizing the need to evolve a forward-looking model of cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS. He stressed collaboration in key areas including clean energy, digital technologies, and enhanced connectivity to bridge trade gaps and further strengthen economic relations.
Representing Nalanda University in Moscow, Dr. Pranshu Samdarshi, Faculty Member at the School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, participated in the conference and contributed to a key panel discussion on “Development of Cooperation in Culture.” The session featured in-depth deliberations on expanding collaboration in art, music, creative industries, and cultural heritage through strengthened cultural linkages. Dr. Samdarshi highlighted Buddhist heritage as a significant civilizational bridge between India and Russia, emphasizing its potential to deepen shared cultural values and elevate bilateral relations through collaborative translation projects and scholarly exchange.
It is noteworthy that Nalanda University and Kalmyk State University have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, and both institutions are actively engaged in collaborative initiatives centred on shared Buddhist heritage.
Drawing upon its historic legacy as a global centre of learning, Nalanda University continues to advance international academic cooperation with renewed vision and commitment. Through sustained engagement in global forums and the organisation of major national and international events, the University remains a vital representative of India’s intellectual and cultural linkages on the global stage.