Dalai Lama Succession — MEA Response Amid China Warning | As tensions rise between India and China over the Dalai Lama’s succession, New Delhi has reiterated its neutral stance on religious matters. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday clarified that it does not comment on religious beliefs or practices, following remarks made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Dalai Lama regarding the continuation of the spiritual institution.
Responding to recent media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.”
He added that India has always upheld and will continue to uphold freedom of religion for all communities.
Beijing Reacts Sharply to Rijiju’s Remarks on Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation
China, on the other hand, expressed strong disapproval of Rijiju’s remarks, where the Minister had said, “The decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama will be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself, and no one else.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned India against what she described as interference in China’s internal affairs, particularly on Tibet — referred to as “Xizang” by Beijing. “India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang-related issues,” Mao said during a media briefing.
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She further asserted that “the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must follow religious rituals, historical conventions, and Chinese law and regulations.” According to her, the current Dalai Lama was approved by the then-central government through procedures that included drawing lots from a “golden urn.”
The controversy follows the Dalai Lama’s recent public statement that his institution would continue, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust — which he founded in 2015 — would have the authority to recognise his reincarnation.
Rijiju, along with fellow Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is scheduled to attend the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6. Rijiju clarified that the event is strictly religious and “has nothing to do with politics.”
