Dalai Lama’s Succession: A Point of Contention Between India and China as Jaishankar’s Visit Approaches

The issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession has emerged as a significant point of contention between India and China, casting a shadow over the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. China has explicitly stated that the succession is a “thorn” in the bilateral relationship, adding complexity to the already delicate diplomatic landscape.

China’s Stance on the Dalai Lama’s Succession

Just prior to Jaishankar’s visit, China has reiterated its firm position on the Dalai Lama’s succession, emphasizing its view of the matter as a crucial and sensitive issue in the relationship with India. This statement underscores the potential for this issue to further strain ties between the two nations.

Implications for India-China Relations

The timing of China’s statement, right before Jaishankar’s visit, highlights the sensitivity and importance of the issue. The Dalai Lama’s succession is a long-standing point of disagreement between India and China, with the potential to exacerbate existing tensions. This adds a challenging dimension to the discussions anticipated during Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagement.