Dalai Lama succession row: MEA says India does not take position on matters of religion amid China's objection

Amid China's objection to the Dalai Lama succession process, India has clarified its stance, saying it does not take a position on matter concerning faith and religion.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution," stated Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Union Ministry of External Affairs, on Friday, pointing out that India has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

The MEA statement comes two days after the Dalai Lama said the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organisation founded by the Office of the Dalai Lama in 2015, is the only legitimate authority that can choose his successor.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry insisted that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama needs the approval of Beijing, adhering to traditional procedures like using the golden urn. "Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and is a religion with Chinese characteristics," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

In response, Dhundup Gyalpo, Bureau Secretary (New Delhi) for the Dalai Lama, pointed out that the reincarnation system is unique to Tibetan Buddhism and is different from the Chinese Han Buddhism.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is a practising Buddhist, said no one else can decide the Dalai Lama's successor, calling it the "most important and defining institution" of the Tibetan Buddhists. "This is not about politics—it’s about religious belief," Rijiju said.

China, however, on Friday slammed Rijuju's remarks, saying India should tread carefully on Tibetan issues, calling the 14th Dalai Lama an "anti-China separatist figure". Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned that India stay clear of any commitments towards the religious figure.

India