Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking at Dalai Lama's 90th birthday event, reiterated the government’s position on religious freedom. "The Dalai Lama institution is purely religious and the Government of India believes there should be no interference in religious matters," he said.

India has clarified its stance on the Dalai Lama's succession, stating it doesn't take a position on religious matters, despite a minister's personal support for the Dalai Lama's wishes. This comes as China cautioned India against interfering in Tibetan affairs,