In the latest development surrounding the Dalai Lama succession, China has urged India to be "cautious" on Tibet-related matters, while India has reaffirmed its stance on religious freedom. This comes after remarks made by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the authority to identify the Dalai Lama's successor.
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that India should recognize the "anti-China separatist nature" of the 14th Dalai Lama and honor its commitments regarding Tibet. Mao Ning also conveyed that India should refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs related to Tibet to avoid undermining the relationship between the two countries.
In response to China's concerns, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its neutral position on religious matters. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian government does not take a position on matters concerning religious beliefs and practices. Jaiswal emphasized that India has consistently upheld the freedom of religion for all its citizens and will continue to do so.
The MEA's statement follows Kiren Rijiju's remarks, in which he asserted that the Dalai Lama and the institution he established are the sole authorities to identify his successor. Rijiju's comments were made in the context of the Dalai Lama's recent statement affirming that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, founded by him in 2015, has the exclusive authority to recognize his future reincarnation. The Dalai Lama also suggested that his successor could be born outside of China. Rijiju later clarified that he was speaking as a follower and not on behalf of the Indian government.
The issue of the Dalai Lama's succession has long been a point of contention between China and the Tibetan community. China asserts that the reincarnation of Tibetan spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama, must follow its procedures and receive approval from Beijing. This position is rejected by the Dalai Lama and his followers, who maintain that the choice of his successor is a purely religious matter.
India has hosted the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959, after the Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. India has typically maintained a policy of non-interference in Tibetan religious affairs, while also ensuring the Dalai Lama's freedom to carry out his religious activities.
The United States has taken a firm stance on the Dalai Lama's succession, with the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 declaring that the decision regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation lies solely with the Tibetan Buddhist community, free from Chinese interference. The Act also threatens sanctions against any Chinese official who interferes in the succession process.
As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, the question of his succession remains a sensitive and complex issue with significant geopolitical implications. The Dalai Lama has attempted to preempt China's interference by suggesting alternatives such as choosing his successor while alive or ending the tradition of reincarnation altogether. The global community now faces the challenge of upholding religious freedom and respecting the wishes of the Tibetan people while navigating China's growing influence.
