India Rejects China's Claim Over Dalai Lama Succession: 'No One Can Decide Except...'

The Dalai Lama, in a video message released on May 21 by his office, reiterated that his spiritual lineage would continue.

Kiren Rijiju added that any external interference in this spiritual process undermines deeply rooted religious traditions.

Source : PTI

India has issued a firm rebuttal to China’s assertion that Beijing has the authority to approve the next reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, reaffirming that the decision lies solely with the Tibetan spiritual leader and the centuries-old traditions he represents. The statement comes as the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso—also known by his birth name, Lhama Thondup—approaches his 90th birthday. Celebrations are underway, with Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh expected to attend the commemorations, signaling New Delhi’s strong support for religious freedom and Tibetan cultural autonomy.

Speaking ahead of the event, Kiren Rijiju emphasized, “Only the Dalai Lama and the conventions he has laid down can determine his successor”, reported The Hindu. He added that any external interference in this spiritual process undermines deeply rooted religious traditions.

"And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," Rijiju said, as per PTI.

Dalai Lama's Message & China Objection 

The Dalai Lama, in a video message released on May 21 by his office, reiterated that his spiritual lineage would continue. He made it clear that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his official institution, would oversee the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama. The 5.57-minute address in Tibetan was made public just days before his birthday. "I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter," the statement said, as per PTI.

China, however, has rejected this assertion, insisting that any future reincarnation must receive Beijing’s endorsement—an insistence that has drawn criticism from both the Tibetan exile community and international rights groups.