Dalai lama india china relationship: For the first time after Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s much awaited China visit, which is happening for the first time after the Galwan clash (2020). China has reacted strongly to the successor of the Dalai Lama. China has termed this issue as a ‘fork’ in India-China relations. Earlier on Saturday, the Dalai Lama reached Leh Airport under very tight security.

China’s strict warning- ‘The issue related to Shijang for India’
The Chinese Embassy in Beijing issued a statement on Sunday saying that India should seriously understand the sensitivity associated with ‘Shijang’ (XIzang, Tibet). China said that the theme of Dalai Lama’s successor and rebirth is ‘completely internal matter’, in which there is no place for any external intervention. Chinese embassy spokesperson U Jing wrote on the social media platform x, ‘The issue related to Shijang is like a thorn in India-China relations and it is becoming a burden for India. Playing ‘Shijang Card’ will be a suicide step for India.

China objected to the comments of Indian experts
U Jing said that in recent times, Indian strategic affairs experts, former officials and academics have given ‘unfair statements’ about the successor of the Dalai Lama, which according to China does not match the public policy of the Government of India. He also claimed that the Tibetan people in Tibet have maintained their traditional culture, dress, catering and architecture with independence. He also shared some pictures.

it has been noted some people from strategic and academic communications, including former officers, have made some made some important on the reincarnation of dalai lama, contract to Indian government Public stance.
as Professionals in Foreign Affairs, They Should Be Fully… pic.twitter.com/hlg2idvww1p

– Yu jing (@chinaspox_india) July 13, 2025

What was said by India?
The Government of India has repeated a neutral attitude on this matter. Foreign Ministry (Mea) spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told the media on 4 July- ‘The Government of India does not take any official stance in matters related to religious beliefs and traditions nor comments. India has always supported religious freedom for all.

China provoked from Union Minister’s statement
One reason for China’s response is the statement of Union Minister Kiran Rijiju in which he attended the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations and said that as a Buddhist follower, he believes that the Dalai Lama and his office are entitled to decide on the successor.
China raised strong objections to this and called it an ‘anti -China separatist attitude’.

Dalai Lama’s statement and Chinese Anger
During his 90th birthday ceremony this month, the Dalai Lama clearly stated that his successor will be selected completely through the religious process and China should not have any role in it. This statement was further enraged by China. China wants the successor to get approval from its government.

Exile in India and the presence of Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959, when he revolted against China’s rule in Tibet. Indian strategic experts believe that the presence of the Dalai Lama is a diplomatic benefit for India. At present, there are about 70,000 Tibetan refugees and Tibetan exile governments in India, which operate from Dharamshala.