The Dalai Lama at 90: A Pivotal Moment for India-China Relations
The Dalai Lama at 90: A Pivotal Moment for India-China Relations
By Mr. Neeraj Manhas, Non-Resident Visiting Senior Fellow, CNSS
As the Dalai Lama turns 90, his legacy remains central to India-China relations. His likely successor from the Tibetan exile community adds a sensitive dimension to ongoing tensions, including border disputes, Tibetan migration, and China’s control over transboundary rivers. While positive steps like resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights suggest a thaw, issues like China’s renaming of Arunachal Pradesh continue to strain ties.
India’s support for Tibetan cultural and religious freedom reflects its broader humanitarian stance, but also invites geopolitical friction. The Dalai Lama’s milestone serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue, not discord—urging both nations to transform shared challenges into opportunities for peace and cooperation.