Rijiju asserts Dalai Lama succession authority

India Jul 03, 2025

India's Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the Dalai Lama—and only his own institution—will decide who succeeds him, brushing off China's claims to have a say.
This lines up with what the Dalai Lama himself recently said, emphasizing that the Gaden Phodrang Trust alone can make that call.

China insists any future Dalai Lama must get its approval

Rijiju is set to attend the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala on July 6, highlighting how important the spiritual leader is for Buddhists worldwide.
His comments come as China insists any future Dalai Lama must get its approval—a stance India disagrees with.
The debate reflects ongoing tensions over Tibet and who gets to shape its religious future.