Amit Shah Arrives in Leh for Buddha Relics Expo amid Ladakh Talks
Amit Shah Arrives in Leh for Buddha Relics Expo amid Ladakh Talks
Amit Shah visits Leh for the Buddha relics exposition on Buddha Purnima as Delhi-Ladakh talks on statehood resume May 22.
Leh, April 30, 2026 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ladakh's Leh on Thursday for his first visit to the union territory since the violence, and he will take part in the first-ever international exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha in India on Buddha Purnima.
He was welcomed by top officials, elected representatives and locals, many dressed in traditional attire, as the city prepared for a moment of religious and political significance.
The relics will be open for public veneration at Jivetsal from May 2 to May 10. Shah, along with other Union Ministers, ambassadors, chief ministers of Buddhist-majority States and representatives of various Buddhist organisations, is expected to visit Leh during the veneration period.
The Centre has already announced May 22 as a fresh date to resume Delhi-Ladakh talks on the demands of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, including Statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion.
Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said Shah's visit and his vision for the development of Ladakh shall motivate the people to work for fulfilling their aspirations.
Residents welcomed the high-profile visit, seeing it as a sign of sustained attention from New Delhi to Ladakh's cultural heritage and political demands. The events in Leh come as officials balance cultural festivities with ongoing political dialogue aimed at addressing local aspirations.
