Kiren Rijiju attends Dalai Lama birthday celebrations; visit amid India-China war of words over spiritual leader’s ‘successor’ – watch video | India News

Dala Lama’s birthday celebrations

NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu attended the birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamshala on Saturday, days after the Tibetan spiritual chief revealed his “succession plan,” prompting a response by China.Also Read | Dalai Lama successor: Next choose could also be born exterior China – however can it’s a lady?According to the Gregorian calendar, the Dalai Lama’s birthday is formally noticed on July 6.Rijiju’s visit to greet the spiritual chief comes a day after China stated India ought to deal with Tibet-related points with “caution,” saying this might have an effect on efforts to enhance bilateral relations.

These remarks by a Chinese international ministry spokesperson adopted Rijiju’s assertion that the Dalai Lama’s “reincarnation” ought to be determined “according to his own wishes.” The Union minister’s assertion was in response to the Chinese asserting earlier this week that the choice course of for the spiritual leader’s successor ought to be by a course of “approved” by Beijing.Also Read | Dalai Lama successor: After India snubs China, Tibet’s president-in-exile picks aside ‘Golden Urn’ customThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Friday that India didn’t have “any position” on the method of deciding on the subsequent 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 advised reporters at a media briefing in New Delhi.The present Dalai Lama not too long ago acknowledged that his successor could be chosen by the India-based Gaden Phodrang Trust — a non-revenue organisation he arrange — and never by another authority. This assertion was seen as a message to China.