Ajmer’s religious leader meets Indian diplomat in Russia, emphasizes cultural and spiritual ties

April 13, 2026

Jaipur: In a significant initiative linking civilizational heritage with diplomacy, Haji Syed Salman Chishti, the religious leader of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and chairman of the Chishti Foundation, met with Neelam Rani, the Consul General of India in St. Petersburg.

During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening India-Russia relations through art, culture, spiritual traditions, and people-to-people contacts, Dargah officials said on Monday.

Discussion on cultural exchange and spiritual cooperation

The meeting took place during Chishti’s visit to Russia, which included St. Petersburg and Moscow. Against the backdrop of the historic city of St. Petersburg, both sides emphasized that the India-Russia partnership, which has so far been based on defense and trade, should also expand to cultural and spiritual heritage.

Discussions included proposals for cultural festivals, Sufi music and Qawwali programs, classical art exchanges, and exhibitions based on shared traditions. Interreligious dialogue and spiritual cooperation were also highlighted.

Sufi tradition described as a bridge between the two countries

Chishti said that the Sufi message of “peace with all” resonates within Russia’s diverse religious society. Regions such as Tatarstan, Dagestan, Bashkortostan, and the Caucasus have strong Sufi traditions, which offer new opportunities for cooperation.

The two sides also considered structured interreligious dialogue, educational exchanges, and joint spiritual delegations to translate this shared heritage into active cooperation.

Historical Links and Future Plans

The meeting also discussed the historical intellectual ties between the two countries, including Leo Tolstoy’s connection to Indian philosophy and Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on Russian thought.

Chishti stated that Neelam Rani represents India’s civilizational diplomacy and that India-Russia relations are based on shared values ​​of peace and humanity. He reiterated his commitment to spreading the message of Khwaja Garib Nawaz worldwide.

The Indian diplomat welcomed the initiative and commended India’s efforts to promote its cultural and spiritual heritage. He assured all possible cooperation to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.