India has officially affirmed that only the Dalai Lama or an established institution authorized by him has the right to decide his successor, directly contradicting China's claim to hold this authority based on imperial tradition. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the decision on the next Dalai Lama should be left solely to the Tibetan spiritual leader or his trusted representatives, rejecting China's interference. This stance marks India's first formal response to China's assertions regarding the Dalai Lama's succession. Additionally, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the next Dalai Lama would be from a free and democratic country, explicitly excluding China. The issue of the Dalai Lama's succession has been described by a Chinese embassy spokesperson as a "thorn" in China-India relations, highlighting the diplomatic tension surrounding the matter.