India Clarifies Stance on Dalai Lama Issue, Distances Self from Kiren Rijiju's Comments

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In the context of the recent statement of the Dalai Lama, the greatest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, India clarified that it does not take any stand on matters related to faith. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued its official statement on the ongoing controversy over the Dalai Lama and his successor.

Regarding this matter, India has clearly stated that India does not comment on matters related to beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Responding to media questions about the Dalai Lama, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports related to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama regarding the continuity of the Dalai Lama institution. The Government of India does not take any stand on matters related to beliefs and practices of faith and religion and does not comment on it. The government has always upheld freedom of religion in India and will continue to do so." However, earlier Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju had said that all the followers of the Dalai Lama want that the Tibetan spiritual leader should choose his successor himself. Rijiju had clarified that he is not reacting on behalf of the Government of India nor is he expressing any opinion on the statement given by China in this regard.

Let us tell you that Rijiju had said in a statement, "There is no need for any confusion on the Dalai Lama issue. All the people who believe in Buddhism and believe in Dalai Lama all over the world want that they should decide on their succession. There is no need for me or the government to say anything. He will decide who will be the next Dalai Lama." At the same time, China had strongly objected to this comment of Kiran Rijiju. China has appealed to India to work carefully on issues related to Tibet, so that it does not affect the improvement in bilateral relations.