'India does not take position on matters of faith and religion': MEA reacts to Dalai Lama row after China urges caution

The Dalai Lama

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a statement amid the Dalai Lama row and said that India will continue to uphold freedom of religion for all in India.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," the statement by the MEA said.

This came hours after China urged India to be cautious of its words and actions in the matter and that it could have an impact on India-China relationship.

During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that India should "stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with Xizang-related issues and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship".

Mao's comments came after Kiren Rijiju said that the decision on the incarnation of the Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the leader of Tibetan Buddhists himself and no one else is liable to make that decision.

"The Dalai Lama is the most important and defining institution for the Buddhists. And all those who follow the Dalai Lama feel that the Incarnation is to be decided by the established convention and as per the wish of the Dalai Lama himself. Nobody else has the right to decide it except him and the conventions in place," Rijiju had said on Thursday.

On Friday, Rijiju added, "I am a devotee of the Dalai Lama. Anybody in the world who follows the Dalai lama wants his successor to be chosen by the Dalai Lama himself."