Current Affairs - International - Discussion

The Indian Air Force transported the sacred relics of Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Mahamoggallana to Mongolia using its IL-76 strategic airlift aircraft, popularly known as Gajraj. These relics belong to the two chief disciples of Gautama Buddha and hold immense significance in Buddhist traditions. The initiative was undertaken to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia while supporting India’s broader cultural diplomacy and global outreach efforts. Such exchanges help promote shared heritage, deepen people-to-people connections, and reinforce historical links between Buddhist communities across nations. Mongolia, a landlocked country between Russia and China, has a strong Buddhist cultural heritage.