India and Tibet Relationship: Delegation of U.S. lawmakers visited Dharamshala

A delegation of U.S. lawmakers visited Dharamshala in India, hosted by the Central Tibetan Administration. Know all about the Recent Developments in India and Tibet Relationship.

Table of Contents

Context

A delegation of U.S. lawmakers visited Dharamshala, hosted by the Central Tibetan Administration.
The visit occurred just after the passage of the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’ in the U.S. Congress, awaiting President Biden’s signature.

India’s Role in Tibet Cause

Historical Background

1959 Tibetan Uprising: Following the 1959 uprising in Tibet against Chinese rule, the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India.
Asylum to Dalai Lama: The Indian government granted asylum to the Dalai Lama, who established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Tibetan Refugees: India has since provided refuge to thousands of Tibetan exiles, allowing them to establish communities, schools, and monasteries.

India’s Policies and Stance

Recognition of TAR: India recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) as part of the People’s Republic of China, as per the 1954 agreement.
‘One China’ Policy: While India traditionally adhered to a ‘One China’ policy, it has stopped reiterating this since 2010 due to ongoing border disputes and other political tensions with China.
Spiritual Leadership: India considers the Dalai Lama a revered spiritual leader and does not officially acknowledge the Tibetan Government in Exile or the Tibetan Parliament in Exile as political entities.
Policy Statements: Indian leaders and officials are cautious in their public statements about Tibet to avoid exacerbating tensions with China.

Diplomatic Sensitivities

Past Actions: PM Modi invited the Tibetan Sikyong to his 2014 swearing-in but not in 2019. A 2018 circular reminded officials of India’s policy, discouraging attendance at events marking the Dalai Lama’s 60 years in India.
Border Disputes: The unresolved border issues between India and China, including the 2020 Galwan clash, influence India’s stance on the Tibet issue.
Sovereignty and Integrity: India is sensitive about issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which shapes its cautious approach to the Tibet cause.

Humanitarian Efforts

Education and Welfare: India has facilitated the establishment of Tibetan schools, cultural institutions, and welfare centres to support the Tibetan diaspora.
Cultural Preservation: Tibetan refugees in India have been able to preserve their language, culture, and religious practices.

Recent Developments

US Involvement: The U.S. Congress’s passage of the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’ and the visit of U.S. lawmakers to Dharamshala highlights international interest in the Tibet issue.
India’s Engagement: India hosted U.S. lawmakers in Dharamshala and engaged with them at high levels, indicating a complex interplay between supporting the Tibetan cause and managing diplomatic relations with China.

Strategic Considerations

Allowing U.S. leaders to make statements from India could lead to direct responses from China, sidelining India in the discourse.
Similar patterns are seen in other South Asian countries where India’s influence is challenged by U.S.-China contestations.

Future Policy Directions

The U.S. accepting more Tibetan refugees and China’s control over Tibetan monasteries highlight the need for India to reassess its policy.
The question of the Dalai Lama’s succession is critical.
India must assert its voice and control over its policy on Tibet to avoid being overshadowed by other global powers.