**India Rejects China’s Claim on Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Rights**
India has firmly objected to China’s assertion that it must approve the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, emphasizing that only the Tibetan spiritual leader has the authority to determine his successor. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated, “The position of the Dalai Lama is of utmost importance, not just for Tibetans but for all his followers across the world. The right to decide on his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself.”
Rijiju, along with Janata Dal (United) leader Lallan Singh, is visiting Dharamshala to participate in events celebrating the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. He reiterated that the occasion is purely religious in nature.
The minister’s comments followed the Dalai Lama’s reaffirmation that the 600-year-old institution would persist beyond his lifetime, with the selection of the 15th Dalai Lama being the responsibility of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the official office of the Dalai Lama. According to a statement from the Dalai Lama’s office, the process for recognizing a future Dalai Lama was clearly outlined in a 2011 statement, which designated the Gaden Phodrang Trust as the sole authority in this matter.
In contrast, China has maintained that any reincarnation must receive approval from Beijing. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, reiterated that the succession must adhere to Chinese laws and regulations, as well as religious customs and historical practices, insisting that the selection process must occur within China’s jurisdiction.
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. While Beijing labels him a separatist, he is globally recognized as a symbol of non-violence and compassion, representing the Tibetan people’s struggle to maintain their cultural and religious identity. Many Tibetans in exile express concern that China may attempt to appoint its own Dalai Lama, a move that critics argue would further tighten Beijing’s control over the region.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama formally transferred political authority to an elected government-in-exile, which represents approximately 130,000 Tibetans worldwide. He has previously warned that the spiritual institution of the Dalai Lama is at risk of being manipulated for political purposes through the reincarnation process.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation a contentious issue?**
A: The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is contentious because China insists on controlling the process, while India and the Tibetan community assert that only the Dalai Lama can determine his successor, reflecting broader tensions over Tibetan autonomy and cultural identity.