China protests PM Modi's greetings to Dalai Lama, warns India on Tibet sensitivities
"The position of the Chinese government on Tibet-related issues is consistent and clear," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a media briefing in Beijing.
Responding to questions about Prime Minister Modi's greetings and the presence of Indian officials, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, at the birthday event, Mao said, "As is widely known, the 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities and seeks to separate Xizang from China under the cloak of religion."
Beijing refers to Tibet as "Xizang".
'India needs to be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang, see clearly the anti-China and separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama, honour the commitments India has made to China on issues related to Xizang, act prudently, and stop using those issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. China has protested to India regarding its actions,' she added.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi had extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama on his birthday. 'His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life,' Modi posted on X.
Several Indian leaders, including Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, also attended the celebrations in Dharamshala.
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United News of India
28 minutes ago
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The Print
33 minutes ago
- The Print
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His Bihar outreach reached a high point on 4 July when Modi called Persad-Bissessar 'Bihar ki beti' during his address at a joint session of the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to give a speech at the Red House. Naming other eminent Trinidad and Tobago nationals with an India connection, including President Christine Carla Kangaloo, scholar Rudranath Capildeo, and music icon Sundar Popo, among others, Modi added, 'Descendants of 'Girmitiyas' are no longer defined by struggle, but by their success, service, and values.' 'Girmitiyas' refer to Indian indentured labourers forced to go to other British colonies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily to work at plantations. Kamla received from Modi a replica of the Ram Temple and water from the Saryu, a river famous for flowing through Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, another state, like Bihar, with similar links to Trinidad and Tobago. 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What pleas by ADR, Mahua challenging EC's Bihar exercise say A woman PM with Bihar roots Using Bhojpuri in his address before the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Modi said, 'You left Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayan in your hearts. You left your soil but not your soul. You were not just migrants but messengers of timeless civilisation. Banaras, Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi may be cities in India, but here, they are also names of streets. Navratri, Maha Shivratri, and Janmashtami are celebrated here with joy, spirit, and pride. I know your deep faith in Prabhu Ram.' Specifically, the Prime Minister referred to Patna, the capital of Bihar, to remind people that there is a Patna Street in Trinidad and Tobago. He praised Kamla again and again, not only to strengthen diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago but also to send a message to women voters in Bihar—how one woman, with roots in Bihar, is now the prime minister of another country. Kamla's ancestral town of Buxar is known as the gateway to Bhojpur. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the significance of Bhojpur was evident as the BJP lost two key seats in the belt—Buxar, where RJD candidate Sudhakar Singh won after the BJP denied a ticket to Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, and Ara, where Union Minister R.K. Singh lost. Both seats have a strong presence of RJD and CPI(ML). Bhojpur remains crucial for the NDA in the upcoming state elections. Another display of Bihar symbolism was the traditional Indian attire of several parliamentarians welcoming the Indian Prime Minister on 3 July in the Port of Spain, where Modi enjoyed a Bhojpuri 'chautaal' performance of folk songs. Later, from Modi's X handle, a post in Bhojpuri language was uploaded, praising the significance of Bhojpuri folk singing, especially 'chaita'. Several Bihar BJP leaders shared the post. 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Once the gol (lead singing group) is chosen, the singing continues throughout chaitra.' 'Kamla ji's ancestors are from Buxar, and the Prime Minister's praise of Bhojpur and Bihar's cultural heritage abroad signified the importance of Bihar. Elections are fought not only on the ground but also in mind. Symbolism in politics has helped BJP reach a broader base in Bihar.' The dinner for Modi and Kamla also had a Bihar link—the main highlight was not the mouth-watering menu but how the food was served on 'sohari' leaves. In many parts of Bhojpur, food is traditionally served on cigar plant/banana leaves. The word 'sohari' comes from Bhojpuri and means 'food for the gods'. The leaves are commonly used in religious ceremonies in Bihar. Bigger political messaging Forty percent of Trinidad and Tobago's population have Indian ancestry. According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, nearly 5.5 lakh people of Indian origin reside in the Caribbean nation. 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To visit the Dalai Lama, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, a practising Buddhist, was an obvious choice. However, the choice of Lallan Singh from Bihar, where many holy places of the Buddhist community stand today, was political. It sent a message to the Buddhist community and also highlighted Bihar's historical and spiritual significance. Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, and Nalanda, a renowned medieval Buddhist monastery, are significant sites for Buddhists. Nalanda is also the home district of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. One of BJP's senior leaders said, 'Picking up Lallan Singh was a thought-out decision. Otherwise, Arunachal Chief Minister [Pema Khandu] and Kiren Rijiju are practising Buddhists. By picking an alliance partner minister from Bihar, known as 'Buddha land', the PM used this opportunity not only for diplomacy but for bigger political messaging.' (Edited by Madhurita Goswami) Also read: Bihar slips in Centre's school index—infra decline in 14 of 38 districts, lags in digital learning
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
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