India Reacts To Dalai Lama's Succession Plan After Rijiju Irks China, Says 'Always Upheld...'

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 18:44 IST

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the Government of India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will attend the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala. (Image: X/@KirenRijiju)

In its first official remark on the Dalai Lama’s Succession plan announcement, India on Friday said that New Delhi “does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the Government of India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

The MEA’s statement came shortly after China objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks that the “decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Tibet-related issues.

Mao also said India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with Tibet-related issues and avoid impacting the improvement and development of the China-India relationship.

On Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader said that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust – founded by his office in 2015 – will have the authority to recognise his future reincarnation. However, China rejected the Dalai Lama’s succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval.

Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, a fellow Union minister, are representing the Government of India at the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.

News india 'GOI Doesn't Take Any Position': India Reacts To Dalai Lama's Succession Plan