India reaffirms religious neutrality, says Dalai Lama succession is faith matter despite China’s objections and diplomatic friction

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The North News

New Delhi, August 21

India has reiterated that it does not take a position on matters of religious succession, including that of the Dalai Lama, amid growing tensions with China over the Tibetan spiritual leader’s reincarnation.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the issue of succession remains an internal matter of the faith community and India has consistently upheld freedom of religion. “Government has maintained that it is for the religious community to decide on succession and reincarnation,” he said, adding that India has conveyed this position to China as well.