Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined leaders of the United States and Taiwan to congratulate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This was celebrated with a spectacular party in Dharamshala, the state of Himachal Pradesh, where the spiritual leader, who has lived in exile since 1959, lives. Senior Indian authorities such as Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and other civil dignitaries such as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and head of the Tibetan government-in-exile Penpa Tsering were also present. It is remarkable to state that the ceremony was also attended by the long-time Tibet supporter and Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
The message given by Prime Minister Modi in the celebration read: “I am one of the 1.4 billion people of India, and on behalf of them, I wish His Holiness the Dalai Lama a very happy birthday. He has remained a lasting representation of love, compassion and tolerance as well as moral training.”
Many experts considered this a diplomatic step forward, especially following the recent happenings regarding the succession of Dalai Lamas. Within the birthday week, the Dalai Lama made a big announcement about his reincarnation, claiming that only a trust he had established would have the right to identify his reincarnation. This rebellious stand-up has upset China, which claims that the Chinese government should give sanction to the reincarnation.
Reacting to this, the Chinese foreign ministry advised India to be rather restrained and avoid meddling in Tibet affairs to avoid worsening the India-China protracted standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Although Union State Minister Kiren Rijiju backed the reincarnation position held by the Dalai Lama initially, he made it clear that he was speaking in a personal capacity. Nevertheless, the party was an impressive endorsement of the Dalai Lama and the cause of Tibet, in spite of the diplomatic turmoil.
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