Kiren Rijiju attends Dalai Lama birthday celebrations; visit amid India-China war of words over spiritual leader's 'successor' - watch video

NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu attended the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala on Saturday, days after the Tibetan spiritual leader revealed his "succession plan," prompting a response by China.

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According to the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama's birthday is officially observed on July 6.


Rijiju's visit to greet the spiritual leader comes a day after China said India should handle Tibet-related issues with "caution," saying this could affect efforts to improve bilateral relations.


These remarks by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson followed Rijiju's statement that the Dalai Lama’s "reincarnation" should be decided "according to his own wishes." The Union minister's statement was in response to the Chinese asserting earlier this week that the selection process for the spiritual leader's successor should be through a process "approved" by Beijing.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday that India did not have "any position" on the process of selecting the next Dalai Lama.

"We have seen reports about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s statement on the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a media briefing in New Delhi.

The current Dalai Lama recently stated that his successor would be chosen by the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust — a non-profit organisation he set up — and not by any other authority. This statement was seen as a message to China.