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China Brands Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Dispute a ‘Thorn’ in Relations After Indian Ministers’ Remarks

Beijing’s protest over Indian ministers’ backing of the Dalai Lama’s self-determined succession is a warning that New Delhi risks straining ties.

Actor Richard Gere, India's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, and Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, Penpa Tsering, sit with Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, as he speaks during his 90th birthday celebration at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India, July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo
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Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, is served food on his 90th birthday celebration at the Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in the northern town of Dharamshala, India, July 6, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis/File Photo

Overview

  • On July 13, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi declared the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation an internal Chinese affair and called recent comments a “thorn” in ties with India.
  • India’s foreign ministry reiterated its policy of noninterference in religious matters while Minister Kiren Rijiju affirmed that only the Dalai Lama’s office can decide his successor.
  • Beijing lodged a formal protest on July 4, urging India to cease interference in what it views as Tibet’s domestic affairs.
  • China’s foreign ministry described the 14th Dalai Lama as a “political exile” engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion.
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due in Tianjin on July 15 for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and bilateral talks expected to test relations strained by the succession row.