The Dalai Lama succession issue has once again raised the curtain on international debate. In this matter, which continues to be a sensitive issue between china, Tibet, and india, china has stated that the Dalai Lama cannot decide on the process of choosing his successor himself. However, the indian government has responded strongly to this, which has further complicated the dispute.
On July 3, Chinese Ambassador to india Xu Feihong made sensational comments through an ex-post. "The Dalai Lama does not have the authority to decide on the process of rebirth of the Dalai Lama," he clarified. china has insisted that the Dalai Lama is just one part of a 700-year-old reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism, and that he has no authority over it. According to china, there are already thousands of "Living Buddha" reincarnation practices in places like Xizang (Tibet), Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. china claims that this is a continuing historical tradition in China. The indian government's response to this has become a priority just days after China's official statement.
In response to China's comments, indian government minister Kiren Rijiju made a key statement on July 2. "The Dalai Lama has the right to continue Buddhist traditions," he said. This became a proper response to China's argument. This is the first time india has officially revealed its position on the Dalai Lama's succession issue. This proves that india clearly supports the Buddhist traditions of Tibet. This statement makes it clear that india is opposed to external interference in the Dalai Lama's succession process.

The Dalai Lama's reincarnation process is very unique and takes place according to Buddhist traditions. After the current Dalai Lama dies, Tibetan Buddhist monks meditate at the Lama Lhasa Lake. It is believed that they will see a new incarnation in their dreams. The investigation begins based on the direction of the Dalai Lama's body, or the direction of the funeral smoke. If a boy is found to resemble the Dalai Lama, he is shown items used by the Dalai Lama and is tested for identity. The Panchen Lama has the authority to officially recognize the position of the Dalai Lama. However, there is a dispute over the Panchen Lama, who is currently under Chinese control.

Tibet has been fighting against Chinese domination since the 1950s. china has seen the Dalai Lama as an opponent since he fled to india in 1959. china has repeatedly said that it has authority over the Dalai Lama's succession. Analysts believe that china is seeking to further strengthen its grip on the Tibetan people by appointing a pet Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama succession dispute is not just a religious issue, but is linked to broader issues such as human rights, the protection of dharma, and spiritual freedom. Many international organizations and countries are arguing that this matter should not be decided by china or the Dalai Lama alone, but that the entire world should respect Tibetan religious culture and look at this matter without the involvement of politics. It remains to be seen how this dispute will affect India-China relations in the future.
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Sowmiya Sriram

07/07/2025 09:45 AM