Union Government to start accepting Haj applications for 2026 from next week
Terming the management of Haj 2025 as historic, Mr. Rijiju said that 'it was one of the most successful ever'. Highlighting that the fatality rate has gone down to 64 this year from 220 in 2024, the Minister also gave credit of Haj's success to the External Affairs Ministry, Civil Aviation Ministry and the Health Ministry.
Speaking to the press after participating in the Haj review meeting, held at Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi on Friday (July 04, 2025), Mr. Rijiju added that the government was planning to build on this success to ensure an even more seamless experience in 2026. He requested all the applicants to fill up the form and apply within the allocated time frame. He also directed the Haj Committee of India to deposit the payment to the Saudi Arabian government before the deadline.
Officials from the Ministry informed that a companion was mandatory to look after pilgrims above 65 years of age who wish to take the Haj. They added that the government was considering the request for separate accommodations for men and women.
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The Wire
an hour ago
- The Wire
As China Warns India on Dalai Lama Remarks, MEA Says ‘No Position'
Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, Rijiju emphasised that his views were personal. 'I do not want to react to China's statement,' he said, adding that he was speaking as a follower. New Delhi: After China objected to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's endorsement of the Dalai Lama's authority to choose his successor, India said on Friday (July 4) that it 'does not take any position' on matters of faith, even as Rijiju clarified he was 'speaking as a follower' and not 'on behalf of the Government of India'. The clarification came as Beijing reacted sharply to Rijiju's earlier remarks earlier in the day. At the daily media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that India 'should stop interfering in China's internal affairs' to avoid harming the trajectory of bilateral ties. 'India should be clear about the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet) related issues,' Mao said, according to PTI. 'India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China's internal affairs with Xizang-related issues, and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship,' she added. In an official response, the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that he was aware of 'reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution.' 'Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion,' he said, clearly not endorsing the Dalai Lama's plans. He added, 'Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.' On Thursday, Rijiju had said that no one else, besides the Dalai Lama, had the right to make a decision on his next reincarnation. China had responded to the Dalai Lama's succession plans by asserting that any reincarnation must receive approval from Beijing. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Friday, Rijiju emphasised that his views were personal. 'I do not want to react to China's statement,' he said. 'I am speaking as a follower. I am a devotee.' He continued: 'I believe in His Holiness the Dalai Lama. So from that perspective, I am saying that all over the world, those who believe in Dalai Lama ji wish that Dalai Lama ji himself will decide [on reincarnation]. This is the wish of the followers.' 'I am not speaking on behalf of the Government of India or in response to the Chinese government's statement,' he clarified. 'I am not speaking on anyone's behalf.' This month, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar will be going to China to take part in the SCO foreign ministers meeting which begins on July 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to take part in the SCO leaders' summit later this year. While news agencies reported on the Chinese foreign ministry's response, it was not mentioned in the transcript of the media briefing uploaded on its website. The controversy follows a statement issued on Wednesday, just days before his 90th birthday, by the Dalai Lama, in which he laid out his long-anticipated succession plans. On Wednesday, just days before his 90th birthday, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism had outlined his succession plans in a long-anticipated statement. 'I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,' he said in a video message delivered in Tibetan. 'I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.' Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong wrote on social media that the selection must be carried out through the 'Golden Urn lottery procedure'. While Beijing had 'exempted' the current Dalai Lama from this process, Xu said, his successor 'must follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from the Golden Urn' and secure 'central government approval'. Rijiju, a practising Buddhist from Arunachal Pradesh, has long expressed reverence for the Dalai Lama. His presence at the birthday celebrations as a Union minister is not unusual. However, his explicit endorsement of the Dalai Lama's position on reincarnation had raised eyebrows, as till now, India had always refrained from commenting on his succession. India, which has hosted the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959, has typicsally described him as 'a revered religious leader' who is 'accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities' in the country. This line has consistently been used to respond to Chinese protests, particularly regarding his visits to Arunachal Pradesh. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Kiren Rijiju, Pema Khandu attend Dalai Lama birthday celebrations; visit amid India-China war of words over spiritual leader's 'successor'
NEW DELHI: Union minister and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister attended the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala on Saturday, days after the Tibetan spiritual leader's about a succession plan prompted a war of words between China and India. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Dalai Lama will turn 90 on Sunday. He resides at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala. Rijiju's visit to greet the spiritual leader comes a day after China asked India to handle Tibet-related issues with "caution," saying this could affect efforts to improve bilateral relations. These remarks by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson followed Rijiju's statement that the Dalai Lama's "reincarnation" should be decided "according to his own wishes." The Union minister's statement was in response to the Chinese asserting earlier this week that the selection process for the spiritual leader's successor should be through a process "approved" by Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday that India did not have "any position" on the process of selecting the next Dalai Lama. "We have seen reports about His Holiness the Dalai Lama's statement on the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a media briefing in New Delhi. The current Dalai Lama recently said that his successor would be chosen by the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust — a non-profit organisation he set up — and not by any other authority. This statement was seen as a message to China.
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday Celebrations On In Dharamshala; Rijiju Meets Tibetan Leader
Last Updated: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju met the Dalai Lama during the birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on Saturday. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu on Saturday attended the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama at the Tsuglagkhang, the main Tibetan temple where the Dalai Lama lives in Dharamshala. Celebrations are underway with full traditions in Dharamshala, Kangra, for the 90th birthday of the Tibetan spiritual leader, scheduled on July 6, as per the Gregorian calendar. While the birthday falls on July 6, the festivities began on June 30 on the Tibetan calendar. This special birthday is being celebrated with religious prayers and cultural programs. #WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Celebrations underway in Dharamshala, Kangra for the 90th Birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama is officially marked on July 6 according to the Gregorian calendar. — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2025 Key Updates On Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday First Published:
