The Indian government has stated that it does not take a position on matters of religious belief or practices, amid the ongoing discussion surrounding the Dalai Lama's succession plan. This stance was articulated by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to the Dalai Lama's recent statement about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution.

The government's official response came days after the 14th Dalai Lama's announcement, ahead of his 90th birthday, that the centuries-old institution would continue after his death. The Dalai Lama emphasized that his personal institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, holds the sole legitimate authority to identify and recognize his reincarnation, cautioning against interference from external entities, including governments, in the sacred process. He stated that he had received numerous requests to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama and affirmed that it would continue.

China has maintained that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be chosen through a lot-drawing system from a golden urn and approved by the Chinese government. China's Foreign Ministry stated that the reincarnation "must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government". They also claimed that while China upholds religious freedom, it also implements regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of living Buddhas.

India has made its position clear that the authority to decide on the Dalai Lama's successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself and the conventions established by him. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju asserted that the decision would be taken by the established institution and the Dalai Lama himself, and "nobody else". Rijiju, who is a practicing Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, another Union minister, represented the Indian government at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday event in Dharamshala. Rijiju stated that the Dalai Lama is the "most important and defining institution" for Buddhists and that followers believe the incarnation should be decided by established convention and the Dalai Lama's wishes.

The Dalai Lama's office released a statement reaffirming that the institution would continue beyond his lifetime and that the process for recognizing a future Dalai Lama has been clearly established in a 2011 statement, which states that the responsibility lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

India's support for the Dalai Lama's succession plan is a snub to China, which seeks to be included in the process. The Indian government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.