India Reaffirms Religious Neutrality Amid Dalai Lama Succession Row: “Freedom of Faith is Fundamental

As tensions brew over the Dalai Lama's succession, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a cautious statement maintaining the country's time-honored tradition of religious freedom and non-interference in matters of religion. The government emphasized avoiding taking a position on matters pertaining to ideas and practices of religion, such as the reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader.

 

The Government of India never sacrificed freedom of religion for all in India and never will," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "We do not comment on beliefs and practices of religion and faith."

 

This as there is a diplomatic row with China, which has objected to Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's recent remarks in support of Dalai Lama's right to choose his own successor.

 

Background: Succession Row

India's Diplomatic Stance

Sources:Times Now, India Today, Hindustan Times, The Economic Times, Straits Times