BREAKING: India Clarifies Stance on Dalai Lama Succession, Says Government Takes ‘No Position on Religious Beliefs or Practices’

New Delhi: In its first official statement on the Dalai Lama’s succession plan, India on Friday clarified that it does not take any position on matters concerning religious beliefs and practices. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised that the Government of India has always upheld the freedom of religion for all communities within the country and will continue to do so.

The remarks came hours after Beijing objected strongly to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments affirming that only the Tibetan Buddhist establishment and the Dalai Lama himself have the authority to decide on the next reincarnation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticised Rijiju’s remarks, warning India to remain “clear about the anti-China separatist nature” of the 14th Dalai Lama and to refrain from “interfering in China’s internal affairs.”

Mao also cautioned that such statements could “impact the improvement and development of China-India relations,” urging New Delhi to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues.

Dalai Lama Reiterates Gaden Phodrang’s Role

Earlier this week, the Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established by his office in 2015, would be the sole authority to recognise his reincarnation. The statement drew a swift rejection from China, which has long insisted that any successor must be approved by Beijing.

Indian Ministers Attend Celebrations in Dharamshala

Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, who is himself a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh are attending the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6. Rijiju’s public support for the Dalai Lama’s right to determine succession is seen as a reflection of sentiment among India’s Buddhist community but was carefully balanced by the MEA’s neutral position.

India Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Freedom

Reiterating India’s longstanding stance, the MEA statement underlined:

“The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. India has always upheld the freedom of religion and will continue to do so.”