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Dalai Lama Begins Ladakh Spiritual Visit as China-India Succession Dispute Escalates

Under Z+ protection at Shiwa Tsel Phodrang, the Dalai Lama is preparing month-long teachings during a succession battle seen by Beijing as a threat to bilateral 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

  • The Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on July 12 aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft and is secured with Z+ protection at Shiwa Tsel Phodrang for his month-long stay.
  • His itinerary includes a two-day teaching on 'The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva' on July 24–25 followed by an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment on July 26.
  • The Dalai Lama’s office has asserted sole authority to recognize his successor, rejecting any external interference in his reincarnation process.
  • China’s embassy in New Delhi labeled the succession issue a “thorn” in bilateral ties and cautioned India against playing the “Xizang card.”
  • India’s foreign ministry reaffirmed on July 4 its policy of non-interference in religious matters as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares for talks in Tianjin.