Indian Government confirms “no position” on Dalai Lama's succession
The Indian government declared that it has no stand on issues related to religious practices or beliefs. The statement is associated with a dispute over the succession plan of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) July 5: Amid the recent controversy surrounding the Dalai Lama's succession plan, the government declared on Friday that India does not take a stance on issues concerning religious practice or belief.
Ministry of External Affairs official Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution” regarding the matter.
He also added, “The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.”
He emphasized the Indian government's long-standing position that it does not get involved in such religious affairs.
Jaiswal's comments seemed to indicate that New Delhi was taking a fair attitude on the issue, particularly in light of Beijing's sensitivities and India's continuous attempts to normalize relations with China.
The government seemed to disassociate itself from remarks made on Thursday by Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minority Affairs Minister, who publicly supported the Tibetan spiritual leader's right to choose his own successor. While China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong statement warning India about "interference" in China's "domestic affairs," Mr. Rijiju clarified on Friday that he had spoken as a "follower and a devotee" because he is a practicing Buddhist himself.
China had protested Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's statements that the Dalai Lama should do as he pleases and urged India to take caution when handling Tibet-related matters to prevent negative effects on the development of bilateral ties.
The Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on July 6, made an announcement stating that the line of Tibetan Buddhism's most senior pontiff would continue after him. The Dalai Lama announced to Buddhist leaders gathered for the birthday festivities in Dharamshala that the Gaden Phodrang trust would designate his successor as the "sole authority."
This dismisses China's involvement in selecting the next Dalai Lama and is the most specific signal the Tibetan spiritual leader has made on the matter to date. The Chinese government, citing a customary "golden urn" procedure that dates back to the Qing dynasty, maintains that any appointment must be approved by the Beijing government.
Aadrika Tayal
