India reaffirms religious neutrality after China objects to Dalai Lama remarks
'We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
'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,' it added.
The MEA's comments come hours after China urged India to act 'cautiously' on Tibet-related matters, reacting strongly to Rijiju's statement that only the Dalai Lama and the institution he set up have the authority to identify his successor.
Responding to Rijiju's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should 'be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama' and 'honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet)-related issues.'
On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959, reiterated that his reincarnation would be identified by the Gaden Phodrang Trust — and suggested his successor would be born outside China.
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