Unresolved Tibet Question Complicates India-China Engagement

Context:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is visiting China for the first time since the 2020 military standoff in Ladakh. Just ahead of his visit, China raised objections over Tibet-related issues, especially the Dalai Lama’s recent statement on his reincarnation, calling it a "thorn" in India-China ties.

Background

The 14th Dalai Lama, currently living in exile in Dharamshala, India, stated that only a trust set up by him would decide the process of identifying his reincarnation.
China strongly opposed this move, stating:
- The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is an internal affair of China, and cannot be decided by any foreign entity.
- Any interference from other countries, including India, would be considered politically provocative.
China reiterated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will regulate any such religious succession processes.

Why is China so sensitive about the Dalai Lama and Tibet?

Tibet is an autonomous region in southwestern China (referred to as “Xizang” by China).
In 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and has since lived in exile in India.
China sees the Tibetan spiritual movement as a threat to its territorial sovereignty.
The issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession is critical to China because:
- It wants to control the selection process to install a pro-China spiritual figure.
- Any claim by the Dalai Lama’s followers outside China would challenge Beijing’s authority over Tibet.

India’s Position

India has historically hosted the Dalai Lama, but maintains a diplomatic silence on Tibetan political matters to avoid escalating tensions.
The Ministry of External Affairs clarified on July 4 that:
- The government does not involve itself in religious matters or beliefs.
- It did not endorse or comment on the reincarnation issue officially.

Broader Significance

This controversy comes at a sensitive time:

Jaishankar's visit to China (July 14–15, 2025) is part of a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, but also a bilateral opportunity to continue talks on:
- Normalising relations post-Galwan clashes (2020)
- Resolving the Ladakh border standoff
Despite disengagement agreements in some areas (like Galwan and Pangong Tso), India-China military tensions remain unresolved in other friction points (like Depsang).
The Tibet issue now adds a fresh layer of political tension, potentially disrupting the diplomatic thaw.