In its initial official response to the announcement regarding the Dalai Lama’s succession plan, India stated on Friday that New Delhi “does not take any position or comment on issues related to beliefs and practices of faith and religion.

” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement affirming that the Government of India has consistently supported the freedom of religion for everyone in India and will persist in doing so.

The MEA’s statement followed shortly after China expressed its objections to Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments that the “decision regarding the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be made by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself, and no one else.

” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning remarked that India should recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and adhere to its commitments concerning Tibet-related matters.

Mao further stated that India should be cautious in its statements and actions, refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs regarding Tibet, and avoid hindering the progress and development of the China-India relationship.