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Arunachal Chief Minister Endorses Free-World Succession Rules for Next Dalai Lama

Pema Khandu highlighted that a fully defined search overseen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust will begin after the current Dalai Lama’s death to protect the process from state interference.

Attendant monks help put a microphone around Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama's head during his 90th birthday celebrations at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Sunday, July 6, 2025.(AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
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On his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama announced succession plans for after his death. But with China set to capitalize on the resulting vacuum, will the Tibetan nation-in-exile hold together without him?
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Overview

  • The Dalai Lama’s July 2 framework vests sole authority for recognizing his successor in the Gaden Phodrang Trust and explicitly excludes China.
  • The search for the 15th Dalai Lama will not start until after the 14th Dalai Lama passes away, following centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist rites.
  • Under the trust-based plan, the next Dalai Lama must be born in a free democratic country to safeguard the reincarnation from political influence.
  • Pema Khandu reaffirmed that China has no recognized role in the Dalai Lama institution, which is rooted in the Himalayan Buddhist tradition.
  • Senior Buddhist leaders have confirmed the uninterrupted 600-year lineage will continue under the Gaden Phodrang Trust with support from Indian and Western backers.