NEW DELHI: After a delegation of American lawmakers visited Dharamsala this week, the Indian govt reiterated Friday its “clear and consistent” position on the Dalai Lama that he is a revered religious figure and is allowed by India to conduct religious and spiritual activities.
However, it distanced itself from political statements made by the Congress members, saying only they could answer questions related to their remarks.
The Indian govt continues to maintain that it does not allow Tibetans to carry out any political activity on Indian soil. The seven-member bipartisan delegation led by Michael McCaul, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, had also called on PM Narendra Modi and met foreign minister S Jaishankar.
Govt of India’s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by people of India. His Holiness is accorded due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “As regards statements by the US delegation, I would refer you to the US side and it is for them to answer,” he added.
China had on Thursday described the “Tibetan government-in-exile” in Dharamsala as entirely a separatist political group and an “illegal” organisation that violates China’s constitution and laws.
“No country in the world recognises it. When it comes to the contact and talks between Chinese Central Govt and the 14th Dalai Lama, our policy is consistent and clear. The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must have a complete reflection on and thoroughly correct its political propositions,” said the Chinese foreign ministry.
However, it distanced itself from political statements made by the Congress members, saying only they could answer questions related to their remarks.
The Indian govt continues to maintain that it does not allow Tibetans to carry out any political activity on Indian soil. The seven-member bipartisan delegation led by Michael McCaul, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, had also called on PM Narendra Modi and met foreign minister S Jaishankar.
Govt of India’s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by people of India. His Holiness is accorded due courtesies and freedom to conduct his religious and spiritual activities, said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. “As regards statements by the US delegation, I would refer you to the US side and it is for them to answer,” he added.
China had on Thursday described the “Tibetan government-in-exile” in Dharamsala as entirely a separatist political group and an “illegal” organisation that violates China’s constitution and laws.
“No country in the world recognises it. When it comes to the contact and talks between Chinese Central Govt and the 14th Dalai Lama, our policy is consistent and clear. The key is that the 14th Dalai Lama must have a complete reflection on and thoroughly correct its political propositions,” said the Chinese foreign ministry.
