What happened?
On 4 July 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that India takes no position on religious matters following Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments supporting the Dalai Lama’s right to choose his successor. Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, said he spoke as a “devotee,” not on behalf of the government. The clarification came after China warned India against “interfering in domestic affairs,” opposing the Dalai Lama’s recent declaration that his reincarnation will be decided by the Gaden Phodrang Trust.
Why it matters to India
The government’s distancing underscores India’s diplomatic balancing act amid sensitive India-China ties post-LAC disengagement. While reaffirming religious freedom, India avoids direct engagement in Tibet’s succession politics to prevent escalation with Beijing. The episode reflects New Delhi’s effort to protect Tibetan cultural autonomy within its borders without compromising on broader strategic stability with China.