In the past two years, Government has facilitated two significant expositions of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Southeast Asia. The first, 

held in Thailand from 22nd February to 19th March 2024, included relics of Buddha and his disciples, and witnessed wide public participation across four venues, with over 0.4 crores devotees in attendance. 

The second exposition was undertaken in Vietnam from 2nd May to 2nd June 2025, where relics from Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh, were displayed at nine locations during Vesak celebrations, drawing an estimated 1.8 crores visitors. 

These initiatives contributed to fostering cultural linkages with the respective countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs has conveyed that, under the ASEAN-India cooperation framework, several Southeast Asian countries have a significant Buddhist population. 

In this context, India is supporting ASEAN in conducting a feasibility study for the development of an ASEAN Cultural Heritage List. Additionally, a yearly ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers’ Meeting is held to facilitate exchange of views and promote tourism cooperation between member nations. 

The year 2025 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, and the Government of India has announced funding of USD 5 million from the ASEAN-India Fund to support the related celebrations and initiatives.