The Government of India has firmly reiterated its stance on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, stating that only the current Dalai Lama and the traditions he has established hold the authority to determine his successor

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, made this assertion on Wednesday July 2, 2025, in what is being widely interpreted as a clear rebuttal to China’s claims on the issue. “The Dalai Lama is the most revered and defining figure in Buddhism,” Rijiju said, emphasizing, “His reincarnation should be guided solely by the established traditions and the Dalai Lama’s own wishes. No one else has the right to decide.”

His remarks came shortly after the 14th Dalai Lama reaffirmed in a public statement that the Dalai Lama institution would continue and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the legitimate authority to identify his future reincarnation. The statement was issued ahead of the Tibetan spiritual leader’s 90th birthday on July 6, amid growing global concerns that China may attempt to appoint a successor unilaterally, given its political control over Tibet.

In response to the Dalai Lama’s declaration, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisted that the process of identifying the next Dalai Lama must involve the traditional drawing of lots from a golden urn and must receive approval from China’s central government. She also maintained that while China guarantees religious freedom, it enforces laws on religious affairs, including the procedures for recognizing Tibetan reincarnated lamas.

Rijiju’s comments are being viewed as a strong rebuttal of Beijing’s position. He, along with Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh “Lallan” — a parliamentarian from Bihar, a state significant to Buddhist heritage and home to the historic Nalanda University — is expected to attend the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations.