Jaipur, April 13 (IANS) In a notable engagement linking diplomacy with civilisational heritage, Haji Syed Salman Chishty, cleric of Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation, met Ambassador Neelam Rani, Consul General of India in St. Petersburg.

The interaction focused on strengthening India-Russia ties through art, culture, spiritual traditions, and people-to-people engagement, Dargah officials said on Monday.

The meeting took place during Chishty’s official visit to Russia, which included St. Petersburg and Moscow. Against the historic setting of St. Petersburg, both sides underlined that the India-Russia partnership, long built on mutual trust, should expand beyond defence and trade. Cultural outreach and spiritual heritage were identified as key avenues for cooperation.

Discussions included proposals for cultural festivals, Sufi music and ‘qawwali’ programmes, classical art exchanges, and curated exhibitions reflecting shared traditions. A major focus was on strengthening interfaith dialogue and spiritual cooperation.

Chishty noted that the Sufi message of “peace with all” finds resonance in Russia’s diverse religious landscape. Regions such as Tatarstan, Dagestan, Bashkortostan, and the Caucasus were highlighted for their strong Sufi traditions, offering scope for collaboration. Both sides explored structured interfaith dialogues, academic exchanges, and joint spiritual delegations to translate shared heritage into active engagement.

Emphasising that lasting international ties rest on human connections, the two also identified youth exchanges, academic partnerships, and cultural immersion programmes as priority areas. These efforts aim to widen the reach of bilateral ties beyond official channels.

The discussion also touched upon long-standing intellectual links between the two countries, including Leo Tolstoy’s engagement with Indian philosophy and the influence of Mahatma Gandhi on Russian thought.

Chishty said the Neelam Rani represents the country’s civilisational approach to diplomacy and added that India–Russia relations are grounded in shared values of peace and humanity. He reiterated his commitment to promoting the message of harmony associated with Khwaja Gharib Nawaz across borders.

The Indian envoy welcomed the visit and appreciated efforts to promote India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. She reaffirmed the Consulate’s support for initiatives that deepen cultural ties and strengthen people-to-people connections between India and Russia.

–IANS

arc/snj/skp