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China, India and U.S. at Odds Over Dalai Lama’s Successor

The Dalai Lama’s decision to vest succession authority in his Gaden Phodrang Trust has prompted rebukes from Beijing, support from Indian officials alongside U.S. calls for religious freedom.

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Devotees watch Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on a television screen at an event during which Tibetan exiles prayed for the Tibetan leader's longevity, a day before his 90th birthday, in Dharamshala, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
Buddhist monks of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism watch a recorded video message by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, India, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, ahead of his birthday according to the Gregorian calendar on July 6. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama presides over an event celebrating his 90th birthday according to a Tibetan calendar at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, Monday, June 30, 2025, ahead of his birthday according to the Gregorian calendar on July 6. (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

Overview

  • Union Minister Kiren Rijiju publicly endorsed the Dalai Lama’s decision, stressing that no one besides the spiritual leader or his institution may decide his reincarnation.
  • India’s Foreign Ministry has maintained an official policy of non-interference in religious affairs even as individual ministers affirm support for the Dalai Lama’s plan.
  • China’s foreign ministry reiterated its claim that only Beijing holds legal authority over Tibetan reincarnations and warned New Delhi against interfering in its domestic affairs.
  • The U.S. government urged China to respect Tibetan Buddhist autonomy, calling on Beijing to cease interference in succession decisions for the Dalai Lama and other lamas.
  • Many exiled Tibetans fear that once the Dalai Lama dies, China will install a state-approved successor to legitimize its control over Tibetan Buddhism and erode cultural identity.