Government does not speak on matters of religion: India on Dalai Lama succession row

Amid the recent row over Dalai Lama's succession plan the government on Friday said that India does not take a position on matters concerning religious belief or practice.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed media queries on the subject, saying, “We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution.”

He clarified that the Indian government does not involve itself in such religious matters, reaffirming its longstanding stance. “The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion,” Jaiswal said.

Reiterating India’s constitutional commitment, he added, “The



Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.”

The statement comes amid growing interest in the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership and the institution of the Dalai Lama, particularly as questions arise globally about the succession process and its implications. However, India, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile and a large Tibetan refugee community, has chosen to maintain a neutral stance on the issue, focusing instead on its broader policy of religious freedom.

Earlier, China had objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks that the incarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow his own wishes, urging India to act cautiously on Tibet-related issues to avoid its impact on the improvement of bilateral relations.