A 15-member delegation representing the Myanmar-India Friendship Association (MIFA) and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), led by the Chairman of MIFA, was warmly welcomed by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on 9 December 2025 at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. The delegation comprised a diverse group of participants, including academicians, corporate executives, prominent businessmen, and a former Minister of the Government of Myanmar. Expressing his appreciation, the Chairman of MIFA, U Win Myint, conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage with IBC. The President of UMFCCI, U Aye Win, highlighted that the UMFCCI functions as a vital bridge between the Government of Myanmar and the private sector. He expressed satisfaction that both MIFA and UMFCCI were viewed as united in purpose and spirit.

Addressing India–Myanmar relations, Shri Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, emphasized in his opening remarks that the IBC remains committed to strengthening ties with Myanmar across all dimensions. He briefed the gathering on a short visit undertaken by the IBC delegation to Myanmar in March 2025, during which the Embassy of India in Yangon played a pivotal role in enhancing Buddhist and cultural engagement between the two countries. He also noted that the IBC has cultivated a close and meaningful relationship with Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw, whose visits to India became more frequent with IBC’s facilitation. During the visit, the IBC delegation interacted with His Eminence Candimabhivamsa, Chairman of the State Sangha Council of Myanmar, and held meaningful discussions at the Shan State Buddhist University with the Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture and the Minister of Information.

Discussions with the Minister of Information focused on the importance of mindful communication and the role of media in propagating Buddha Dhamma in Myanmar. The role of the Indian Embassy and the Ambassador of India to Myanmar was widely acknowledged and praised for facilitating these engagements, which were seen as instrumental in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.

Highlighting historical and cultural ties, U Win Myint recalled that Myanmar’s kings constructed temples in Bodhgaya, and that the Fifth and Sixth Buddhist Councils were convened in Myanmar. He mentioned contemporary contributions, noting that the current President has established a large white stone Buddha statue symbolizing serenity and purity.

He referred to the sacred Holy Hair Relics (Kesh Daatu) and invited the IBC to visit revered Buddhist sites in Myanmar. He expressed appreciation to the Government of India for scholarships provided to Burmese students and emphasized that shared devotion to the Buddha forms a strong foundation for bilateral relations.

Emphasizing Bodhgaya’s spiritual significance, he noted it remains the foremost pilgrimage destination for Burmese devotees, with replicas of the Mahabodhi Temple in Myanmar serving those unable to travel. He further noted the Prime Minister of Myanmar’s enthusiasm for Buddha Dhamma and the conferment of the Saddhammajyotika in recognition of related efforts.

Prof. Ravindra Panth reflected on the centuries-old spiritual bond between the two nations, recalling Tapassu and Bhallika, the first lay disciples, and emphasizing friendship rooted in paṭiccasamuppāda and mettā. U Aye Win concluded by noting Myanmar’s request to host the Holy Relics exposition in 2026. The meeting concluded with mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation.