India has firmly asserted that the authority to choose the next Dalai Lama rests solely with the current Dalai Lama and established Buddhist traditions, effectively rebuffing China's claim to have a decisive role in the succession. This stance was articulated by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who emphasized the Dalai Lama's immense importance not only to Tibetans but to millions of his followers worldwide. Rijiju's statement came as he and Janata Dal (United) leader Lallan Singh are representing the Indian government at events marking the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala.
The Dalai Lama himself has reaffirmed that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of the Dalai Lama, will have the exclusive authority to recognize his reincarnation. This declaration aims to preempt any interference from China in the selection process. The Dalai Lama's office has stated that the process for recognizing a future Dalai Lama was clearly established in a September 24, 2011, statement, which stipulates that the Gaden Phodrang Trust bears the exclusive responsibility.
China, however, insists that any reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and be approved by Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated Beijing's long-standing position that the selection must occur within China's borders and under its supervision. China's insistence on its role in the selection process stems from its view of the Dalai Lama as a separatist. They have stated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and other prominent Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn and approved by the central government.
India's response underscores its recognition of the Dalai Lama's spiritual leadership and its support for the Tibetan community. Rijiju dismissed China's objections as "unwarranted interference". He emphasized that the Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations in Dharamshala are purely religious events, not political issues.
The succession issue has gained urgency as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, adding another layer to the already fragile India-China relations. Tensions between the two countries have persisted since the 2020 border clashes and China's recent diplomatic outreach to Pakistan.
The Dalai Lama's succession plan is politically significant for Tibetans who oppose China's control over Tibet and strive to preserve their identity, whether in their homeland or in exile. It is also profoundly important for Tibetan Buddhists who revere him as a living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. Many observers anticipate the possibility of rival Dalai Lamas, one appointed by Beijing and another chosen by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama.
Historically, the Dalai Lama's successor has been identified by senior monastic disciples based on spiritual signs and visions, a process that can take several years. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, became the 14th reincarnation in 1940. He fled Tibet in 1959 after Chinese troops suppressed an uprising and has since resided in Dharamshala, India, where he established a democratic government-in-exile and advocated for Tibetan autonomy.
