In a rare move that challenges China’s long-standing position, a senior Indian minister has stated that only the Dalai Lama and the institution he established have the legitimate authority to decide who will succeed him as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since fleeing a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, reaffirmed on Wednesday that his reincarnation will take place after his death, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can recognize his successor. He has also said the next Dalai Lama will be born outside of China.

In contrast, the Chinese government maintains that it holds the right to approve the Dalai Lama’s successor, citing historical precedent from imperial times. Kiren Rijiju, India’s minister of parliamentary and minority affairs, made the statement on Thursday before visiting the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamshala for his upcoming 90th birthday celebration. Rijiju, a practicing Buddhist, emphasized that “no one has the right to interfere or determine who the successor of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be,” according to Indian media. He added that “only the Dalai Lama or his institution has the authority to make that decision,” highlighting how crucial this belief is to his followers worldwide.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the succession issue. Rijiju will be joined by other Indian dignitaries at the spiritual leader’s birthday event. India hosts a significant Tibetan Buddhist community, allowing them to live, work, and study freely. The Dalai Lama is widely respected in India, and analysts suggest his presence offers New Delhi a strategic diplomatic advantage in its complex relationship with Beijing. Although ties between India and China have been strained since a violent border clash in 2020, they have recently shown signs of cautious improvement.