Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's attendance at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 5, 2025, has drawn attention amid ongoing India-China tensions regarding the spiritual leader's succession. The visit, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, is seen as a carefully calibrated signal to China, particularly after the Dalai Lama asserted that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established by him, holds the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation. This statement effectively excludes any Chinese government interference in the selection process.
China has responded by urging India to handle Tibet-related issues with caution, emphasizing that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must adhere to Chinese laws and historical conventions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the reincarnation "must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government (of China)". They also conveyed that India should avoid interfering in China's internal affairs related to Tibet to maintain positive bilateral relations.
Rijiju, however, has maintained that the decision regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation should be based on the wishes of the current Dalai Lama and established traditions. He clarified that he was expressing his personal beliefs as a follower of the Dalai Lama and not making any official statement on behalf of the Indian government. He stated that devotees and followers of the Dalai Lama want him to decide on his successor. Rijiju's remarks align with India's long-standing position of recognizing the Dalai Lama as a revered religious leader and respecting the religious freedom of the Tibetan community in India.
The Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has stated that his successor would be born outside China. He also said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be the only institution able to identify his successor.
India's approach to the Dalai Lama's succession is viewed as a nuanced balancing act. While officially maintaining neutrality on religious matters, the presence of Union Ministers at the birthday celebration signals support for the Dalai Lama's autonomy in choosing his successor. This stance has been described as a contradiction to China's long-held position that they have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor.
The issue of the Dalai Lama's succession has gained urgency as he approaches 90 years old, adding another layer of complexity to the already strained India-China relations. Tensions have persisted since the border clashes in 2020, and China's recent diplomatic outreach to Pakistan has further complicated the situation.
Despite the ongoing tensions, India has been working towards normalizing ties with China. Sending representatives to the Dalai Lama's birthday celebrations while simultaneously refraining from directly commenting on the reincarnation issue reflects India's attempt to navigate this delicate situation. The Indian government has consistently upheld the freedom of religion for all within its borders and views the Dalai Lama as a respected religious figure.
