PM Modi condoles death of Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman, calls him ‘lifelong friend of India’

PARIS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the death of American Buddhist scholar and academic Robert AF Thurman, remembering him as “a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India” who helped popularise Buddhist thought globally and strengthened cultural understanding between nations.

In a post on X, PM Modi paid tribute to Thurman and recalled a meeting with him in New York in 2023. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Robert AF Thurman, an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India. Through his works, he popularised Buddhist thoughts globally and also built enduring bridges of understanding between cultures. I fondly recall our meeting in New York City a few years ago, where we had an excellent conversation. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers in this hour of grief,” the Prime Minister said.

Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Robert A. F. Thurman, an eminent scholar of Buddhism, a distinguished teacher and a lifelong friend of India. Through his works, he popularised Buddhist thoughts globally and also built enduring bridges of understanding between cultures. I… pic.twitter.com/vSWbZKSMeW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2026

Robert Thurman was an American Buddhist scholar, author, and Padma Shri awardee. During their meeting in 2023, PM Modi and Thurman exchanged perspectives on how Buddhist values can act as a guiding light for finding solutions to global challenges. They also discussed India’s Buddhist connection and efforts being made by India for the preservation of Buddhist heritage, MEA stated.

Thurman visited India and participated in the Global Buddhist Summit 2023, a mega conference attended by scholars, leaders of the Sangha, and practitioners of the Dharma from around the world.

PM Modi’s message came during his visit to France, where he arrived in Paris for the final leg of his trip after attending the G7 Summit in Evian.

Earlier, the Prime Minister received a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in the French capital. In a post on X, Modi said he was proud of the Indian community’s efforts in strengthening ties between India and France.

#WATCH | Paris, France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival at the hotel.

In Paris, the Prime Minister will hold further bilateral engagements, attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and… pic.twitter.com/qbekXlXuoZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026

“Reached Paris a short while ago to a warm welcome by the Indian diaspora. I am proud of their efforts in bringing India and France closer. The India-France partnership is vital for the progress of our planet,” he wrote.

During his stay in Paris, PM Modi is scheduled to attend the VivaTech Summit, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, where he is expected to showcase India’s innovation ecosystem and technological advancements. He will also interact with members of the Indian community at a special diaspora event. (ANI)