May the Dalai Lama live long, but his reincarnation needs to be found in his lifetime

The succession of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, is a thorn in China-India relations, the Chinese embassy in New Delhi said on Sunday, as India's foreign minister prepares to visit China for the first time since deadly border clashes in 2020

The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet, and Indian foreign relations experts say his presence gives New Delhi leverage against China.

According to officials, the Dalai Lama will stay at Shiwa Tsel Photang, his traditional residence during Ladakh visits, located on the outskirts of Leh. The location will also host a number of religious activities and teachings during his stay.

Beijing has been actively preparing for The Dalai Lama’s ‘return’ in China — notably through the 2007 promulgation of the ‘Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism’ — and by promoting its own Panchen Lama and other ‘high’ lamas.

The chief minister, who is a follower of the Dalai Lama and a Buddhist, said he doesn't know the process of how the next Dalai Lama will be selected, how it will happen or the details but there is established procedure.

Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when asked to comment on US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement on the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday on Sunday, after a week of celebrations by his followers.

Mao was replying to a question on Prime Minister Modi's greeting the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and the attendance of senior Indian officials at his birthday celebrations.

He stressed that the conferment of their religious status and titles is the prerogative of the central government of China.

Modi said on X, "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline."