By Khedroob Thondup

The question of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is not merely a spiritual matter; it is a geopolitical fault line that ensures India and China will never find common ground. At its core, the dispute is about legitimacy, sovereignty, and moral authority — three domains where New Delhi and Beijing are destined to clash.

China’s Claim of Control. For Beijing, the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is a matter of state sovereignty. By insisting that only the Chinese government can approve the next Dalai Lama, China seeks to fold Tibetan Buddhism into its narrative of national unity. This is not about religion but about power: controlling the succession means neutralizing Tibetan resistance and projecting authority over Tibet’s spiritual heart. Instrument of legitimacy: A state-appointed Dalai Lama would serve as a symbol of China’s claim that Tibet is...