India-Mongolia with Buddhist traditions have role to counter radicalism: Sushma Swaraj

India and Mongolia have "crucial" role to counter growing radicalism given their Buddhist traditions, underscored External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday.

"Many regions of the world today, including our own region, is witnessing a trend of radicalism. Such radicalism provides a fertile ground for terrorism to flourish. It then spreads to the neighbouring areas and engulfs the entire region. In such difficult times, there is a need for a philosophy that teaches peace and tolerance. Countries like India and Mongolia with our strong Buddhist traditions have a crucial role to counter this trend of radicalism," Swaraj, said, in her keynote speech at an event to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of Late Venerable 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in Mongolian capital city, Ulaanbaatar.

"In today's times, when there is rising violence and extremism spread in the name of faith, there is increasing need to follow the Buddhist path of peace and tolerance," the EAM added.

Kushok Bakula, who served as India's Ambassador to Mongolia from 1990 - 2000, is a highly revered figure in that country.

A distinguished parliamentarian and diplomat, Bakula also served as a Minister in the government of Jammu and Kashmir and headed the National Commission for the Welfare of Religious Minorities in India.

"He was a proud embodiment of India's age-old Buddhist traditions and our message to the world of peace, amity and humanism,'' Swaraj said.

"India recognized Venerable Kushok Bakula's great contribution towards the promotion of peace and welfare of common people by conferring on him, in 1988, the prestigious Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India," she said.

The minister further stressed upon endeavouring to carry forward the legacy of Kushok Bakula .