Won't interfere in religious belief of Tibetans: MEA to China

In view of the Dalai Lama having announced the process of choosing his successor, India has conveyed to China its stance of "not interfering" with the religious practices of the Tibetan community and will "continue to uphold freedom of religion".

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha said the government had seen a statement regarding the institution of Dalai Lama issued by the 14th Dalai Lama on July 2.

“The Government of India does not take any position on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.” The freedom of religion has been upheld for all in India and will continue to do so, the MEA said adding “The government's position has also been conveyed to the Chinese side.”

The 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, had announced on July 2 that the "institution of the Dalai Lama will continue". 

He reiterated on keeping China out of the process of locating the re-incarnation of the next Dalai Lama, saying 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,” a statement from the office of the Dalai Lama said on Wednesday. China has sought a say in selection of the next Dalai Lama.