Dalai Lama’s Successor Is His Call Alone, Says India, Rejecting China’s Claim

India has taken a clear stand on a sensitive global issue, stating that only the Dalai Lama can decide on his successor. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the matter directly, dismissing China’s interference and affirming that the process of selecting the next Dalai Lama is based on Tibetan tradition, not external authority. The statement holds diplomatic weight, especially in the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and religious sensitivities across India’s Himalayan and Tier 2 regions.

India’s First Official Response
This is India’s first formal reaction to recent Chinese claims suggesting Beijing should have a say in identifying the next Dalai Lama. Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh—a region China frequently contests—asserted that there is a well-established religious convention regarding the succession and that no government, including China, can interfere in it.

The Tibet-China Angle
China has long maintained that it has authority over religious matters within its territory, including the appointment of Buddhist leaders. However, the Tibetan exile community, along with spiritual followers across India and globally, reject this claim. They stress that only the Dalai Lama or senior Tibetan monks can decide his reincarnation.

Why It Matters to India
India is home to a large Tibetan exile population, especially in regions like Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka. Many Tier 2 cities in northern India have spiritual and cultural connections to Tibetan Buddhism. The Indian government’s support of the Dalai Lama’s autonomy sends a strong message of solidarity to these communities while also reinforcing India’s commitment to religious freedom.

Public and Political Reactions
Rijiju’s remarks were widely welcomed by supporters of the Tibetan cause and Indian citizens who value the country’s tradition of sheltering political and religious refugees. It also aligns with India’s broader stance on upholding cultural rights and resisting undue pressure from foreign powers.

Global Implications
The issue of the Dalai Lama’s successor is not only about religious identity but also about political influence in the Himalayan region. By standing firm on this matter, India strengthens its diplomatic posture while also echoing the concerns of several democratic nations that oppose China’s overreach in religious affairs.

Conclusion
India’s clear and firm statement that only the Dalai Lama can choose his successor reinforces the nation’s commitment to cultural autonomy and religious freedom. As discussions around the Tibetan spiritual leader’s legacy gain global attention, this stand serves as a reminder that faith and tradition should not be manipulated for political gain—especially in a region as spiritually significant and geopolitically sensitive as the Himalayas.