The Dalai Lama arrives to offer prayers at Tibetan temple in Dharamsala File photo
NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the Dalai Lama is a “respected religious leader” and is free to carry out his “religious and spiritual activities” in the country. The statement came after Beijing called the Tibetan spiritual leader a “political exile” and not a “pure religious person”.
“India’s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. His Holiness is a respected religious leader and is highly respected by the people of India. He is given due courtesy and freedom to pursue his religious and spiritual activities,” foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said.
The statement came a day after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised the Dalai Lama but criticised the Chinese leadership after a US congressional delegation met with him in Dharamsala.
China had opposed the US delegation’s visit to Dharamsala. “It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is not a genuine religious leader but a political refugee who is using religion as a cover to engage in anti-China separatist activities. The US side urges the US to abide by its promise of recognising Tibet as part of China and not supporting its independence,” a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Delhi said.
The US Congressional delegation then met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “As part of the delegation led by Michael McCaul, we had a very fruitful exchange of views with our friends in the US Congress. We deeply appreciate the strong bipartisan support in advancing the India-US comprehensive global partnership,” PM Modi said.
During his meeting with Modi, McCaul emphasised the importance of the strategic partnership between India and the US. “I told Prime Minister Modi that it is in both our strategic interests to work together to ensure that democracies remain leaders in producing the next generation of weapons and technology,” McCaul said.
The delegation also said they were aware of Beijing’s jailing of Tibetan activists and called for real autonomy for Tibetans. The Dalai Lama is due to travel to the United States on June 22 to undergo knee surgery.
ABC documentary exposes glaring lies: India
India on Friday rejected the ABC documentary “Spies, Secrets, Threats: How the Modi government is targeting people overseas.” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said: “The documentary contains glaring falsehoods and reflects biased and unprofessional journalism. The documentary appears to be intended to defame India.”
“Permission for French journalists is under consideration.”
India has denied allegations that French journalist Sebastien Farcis had to leave the country despite being in the country for 13 years because his work permit was not renewed. The Ministry of External Affairs said, “Mr Farcis is an OCI cardholder and requires approval to carry out his journalistic duties. He has reapplied for renewal of his permit in May 2024 and his case is under consideration.”
