India adopts cautious stance on Dalai Lama’s successor

The Indian establishment will adopt a wait-and-watch approach regarding the expected announcement on the process of the next Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, and is keen to keep China out of the selection process.

The announcement is expected during a three-day global Buddhist conference set to begin in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, on July 2.

Sources say New Delhi would firmly oppose any Chinese involvement in the matter and will decide its official stance after a formal announcement is made.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has publicly stated in the past that Beijing should have no role in the reincarnation process — a view that is also shared by the US.

The 14th Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on July 6, has previously declared that decisions about the continuation and reincarnation of the Dalai Lama institution will be made in consultation with senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders at that milestone age. Speaking at a gathering in McLeodganj on Monday, the Dalai Lama said, “There will be some kind of framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama.”

Sources in the Tibetan administration advised patience, suggesting that a decision could be announced soon, but remains pending. Traditionally, before his death, a Dalai Lama leaves behind spiritual hints to guide the search for his reincarnation. These are interpreted by senior monks, who then trace and confirm the child believed to be the next Dalai Lama. The current Dalai Lama was recognised at the age of five and anointed in 1940.

While the Dalai Lama has repeatedly insisted on keeping Beijing out of the reincarnation process, China has long maintained that any such succession must comply with its laws. India, which has extended support to the Tibetan community in exile, is expected to resist any Chinese attempt to influence or interfere in the process.

“As of now, we are in a wait-and-watch mode,” a senior Indian official said. “India’s position will be shaped only after the Dalai Lama makes an announcement.”

In a previously issued statement, the Dalai Lama said: “I shall leave clear written instructions about this. Apart from the reincarnation recognised through such legitimate methods, no recognition or acceptance should be given to a candidate chosen for political ends by anyone, including those in the People’s Republic of China.”

This position echoes the sentiment in Washington. The US government has supported the Dalai Lama’s autonomy in the process and last year passed the Resolve Tibet Act, reinforcing the historical status of Tibet and urging a peaceful, negotiated resolution with China.

Officials believe the Dalai Lama has deliberately preserved an element of unpredictability, especially given Beijing’s known assertiveness on the issue. According to Tibetan belief, the current Dalai Lama, born in 1935, is destined to live well beyond 110 years.

The Dalai Lama has served as the spiritual head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, based in Dharamsala since 1959.

India