India has clarified its position on the sensitive issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, stating that it does not interfere in matters of religious faith. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision regarding the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama rests entirely with the Tibetan spiritual leader and his institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

The statement comes amid renewed discussions over the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership, especially with the Dalai Lama advancing in age. Jaiswal emphasized that India has consistently maintained that this is an issue of religious belief and faith, in which the government does not take a position.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also addressed the matter, expressing full support for the Dalai Lama’s authority to decide on his reincarnation. Rijiju stressed that no external entity, including China, has the right to interfere in this spiritual process. He further stated that the people of India and the government respect and support the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people's aspirations.