The Indian government has stated that it does not take a position on matters concerning faith and religion, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This statement comes after the Dalai Lama asserted that a trust of Tibetan Buddhists will have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed media queries about the Dalai Lama's statement, which was made ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. Jaiswal affirmed that India has always upheld freedom of religion for all its citizens and will continue to do so. He stated, "The government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion".
In his statement, the Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the exclusive right to recognize his future reincarnation, asserting that "no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter". The Gaden Phodrang Trust was established in 2015 by the Dalai Lama to manage affairs related to the institution of the Dalai Lama.
China has reacted strongly to the Dalai Lama's remarks, insisting that his reincarnation must be approved by the Chinese government. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and other prominent Buddhist figures must be chosen through a process involving drawing lots from a golden urn and receiving approval from the central government. Mao Ning asserted that while China respects religious freedom, it also implements regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju has asserted that only the Dalai Lama and the conventions he has established have the authority to determine his successor. Rijiju, a practicing Buddhist, emphasized that the Dalai Lama is the most important institution for Buddhists, and his incarnation should be decided by established convention and his own wishes. He further stated that no other entity has the right to make that decision. Rijiju's remarks have been interpreted as a direct response to China's claims on the matter.
India has long maintained that the process of naming the Dalai Lama's successor is a long-standing tradition undertaken by the Dalai Lama, in which no third party should interfere. Some observers anticipate that there may eventually be two rival Dalai Lamas – one appointed by Beijing and another chosen by senior monks loyal to the current Dalai Lama. According to sources, India would not recognize a Dalai Lama appointed by China.
The Dalai Lama's statement and the subsequent responses from India and China highlight the ongoing complexities surrounding the succession of the Dalai Lama and the differing perspectives on religious authority and traditions.
