EAM Jaishankar and G20 delegates visit holy Buddhist sites in Sarnath

Varanasi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar along with G20 delegates Tuesday visited the historical Buddhist site of Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath here, officials said.

The delegates from different countries have arrived here for the three-day G20 Development Ministers' conclave, which commenced on Sunday.

Around 12 km from the ancient temple town of Varanasi, Sarnath is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the world. The Dhamek Stupa marks the location where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It was built in 500 CE to replace an earlier structure constructed by King Ashoka in 249 CE.

During their Sarnath visit, the G20 guests also visited other holy places in Sarnath, including Buddhist monasteries and the remains of ancient monuments and relics of the Mauryan period, an official of the district administration said.

After their arrival at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport here on Sunday, the delegates were accorded a grand welcome with drumbeats and music where volunteers received them by applying 'tikaa' and showering flowers.

India is hosting the conclave of development ministers of the G-20 member nations from June 11-13 in its capacity as the current chair of the grouping.

It is expected to focus on disruptions in global supply chains, food and energy security challenges and impacts of climate change among other issues.