July 4, 2025
3 mins read

India Stays Neutral on Dalai Lama Succession

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation…reports Asian Lite News

Responding to the Dalai Lama’s recent remarks, India on Friday clarified that it does not take a position on matters related to faith, religious beliefs, or spiritual practices

“We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries on the issue.

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation, the first important announcement over continuance of the 600-year-old institution after his demise.

Reassuring followers across the globe who were concerned about the future of their spiritual and cultural leadership, the Dalai Lama said his office, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, was the sole authority on reincarnation, even as China insisted it would have the final word.

‘Doctored’ Dalai Lama video an instance of ‘Chinese cyber bullying’, say Tibetans.

Hours after the Tibetan spiritual leader ruled out Beijing’s authority in picking his succession, China said the reincarnation must be approved by the Chinese regime and the identification must happen in China.

Also the supposed reincarnation must follow religious rituals and historical conventions, and also comply with Chinese laws and regulations.

However, Tenzin Lakshey, spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) headquartered in McLeodganj, clarified that China has no role to play in the reincarnation process of any Tibetan religious leader.

“The Chinese government is an offender of the faith,” he told the media.

In a much-awaited statement with the onset of a three-day Buddhist religious conference in McLeodganj, a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of the northern hill town of Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama said, “On September 24, 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and those who have a connection with Tibet and Tibetans, regarding whether the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.”

“I stated, as far back as 1969, I made clear that concerned people should decide whether the Dalai Lama’s reincarnations should continue in the future. I also said, when I am about ninety, I will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other people concerned who follow Tibetan Buddhism, to re-evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue. Although I have had no public discussions on this issue, over the last 14 years leaders of Tibet’s spiritual traditions, members of the Tibetan parliament in exile, participants in a special general body meeting, members of the Central Tibetan Administration, NGOs, Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, Buddhist republics of the Russian Federation and Buddhists in Asia, including mainland China, have written to me with reasons, earnestly requesting that the institution of the Dalai Lama continue,” he said.

“In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal. In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” he mentioned.

The Nobel Peace Laureate, who is turning 90 on July 6, clarified in the message that the process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognised has been clearly established in the September 2011 statement which states that responsibility for doing so will rest exclusively with members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

Previous Story

USAID cut could kill 14 million more deaths

Next Story

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

Latest from -Top News

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with

India-EU Trade Deal Breakthrough Soon?

Negotiators report increased momentum in discussions, which have been given a boost from US President Donald Trump’s tariff offensive…reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union aim to finalise a trade

Europe Seeks Peace in Gaza

European countries condemn Israeli interception of Gaza-bound flotilla, demand safety of citizens…reports Asian Lite News Israel’s interception of an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked condemnation across Europe, with

GAZA: Egypt to Host Peace Talks

Egypt hopes the discussions will help “end the war and the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people, which has continued for two consecutive years…reports Asian Lite News Egypt will host Israeli and

‘My Injuries Made Me’

During his four-year battle with injury, the incumbent fast bowling spearhead made occasional appearances but couldn’t bear the workload and demands of red-ball cricket….reports Asian Lite News England tearaway Jofra Archer believes
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Maldives FM praises India’s developmental aid

Ameer stated that the development projects include Greater Male connectivity

Arab League Welcomes AU’s G20 Membership

Assoumani felt this would also give a boost to India-Comoros