Dalai Lama's Succession Triggers New Clash Between India, US & China

With the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso turning 86 this July, a struggle has ensued between India, the US and China on the choice of the next spiritual leader of the Tibetans. The Dalai Lama is considered as a living Buddha who is reincarnated after his death of his predecessor. Traditionally, Tibetans begin a search for a child reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, and after identifying the boy, he studies to prepare for the role. There are many ways of choosing a Dalai Lama and the process can be long and complicated. The present Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, was identified at the age of 2.

According to a Bloomberg report, various senior officials in India, including in the Prime Minister's office, have been discussing how the country can influence the choice of the next Dalai Lama. India hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile in the city of Dharamsala and only recognized Tibet as part of China till 2003.

From January to March this year, India convened five separate assemblies of senior monks from various sects and schools along its Himalayan border with China. Such a gathering was organised for the first time in more than 2,000 years. India hopes that the group of senior monks will grant international legitimacy to the Dalai Lama's successor and lead the Tibetans in the interim period, as it could take over two decades for a reincarnation to come of age.

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