The View From India newsletter: The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday and succession plans
The succession plan for the next Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has always been a matter of great curiosity and interest for China, India, and the United States, for obvious strategic reasons, apart from followers of the religion. The current leader, a Nobel peace laureate, who turned 90 on Sunday (July 6, 2025), is not only regarded an influential figure with a wide following world over, and from across religions, but also a much loved, unifying icon.
In a greatly anticipated statement released during a convention of the leaders of many Buddhist traditions converging to celebrate Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala asserted that his successor, the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, will be decided by a trust, not the Chinese government, making it clear for the first time that he believes he will be reincarnated. Born as Tenzin Gyatso, the globally respected spiritual leader said that the process by which future Dalai Lama will be recognised would now begin with consultations with leaders, members of the Tibetan Government in Exile, and other stakeholders. Read Suhasini Haidar's report on the important development.
His statement that the succession would be decided by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which would be the 'sole authority' on the issue, that has sparked a sharp response from Beijing, which believes it must be given the right to 'approve' the candidate. In 2007, Beijing passed a law mandating its authority over the issue, although this has not been accepted by the Tibetan community worldwide. India, on the other hand, in its first official statement over the Dalai Lama's succession plan announcement, has said that the government 'does not take any position' on such religious issues.
As New Delhi moves to support the Tibetan spiritual leader living here in exile, and Beijing says it will enforce its approval over a successor, could India and China's new found road to normalcy turn rough? Watch Suhasini Haidar's latest episode on Worldview.
While big powers try to intervene, the 14th Dalai Lama's statement has made clear that officers of the Gaden Phodrang Trust would bear the responsibility to recognise the 15th Dalai Lama — by a process he would leave written instructions about. Read Gaden Phodrang: The Trust of Dalai Lama - Suhasini's Haidar's profile of the body that will have the final say on the matter.
Gaza
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (July 6, 2025) said there was a 'good chance' a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal could be reached with the Palestinian militant group Hamas this week. What his statement means, after Israel's brazen violation of the last ceasefire, remains to be seen.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza, hospital officials said on Sunday (July 6, 2025), as Israel was sending a ceasefire negotiating team to Qatar ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's White House visit for talks toward a deal.
President Trump, who will meet with Mr. Netanyahu on Monday (July 7, 2025), has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an increase in humanitarian supplies allowed into Gaza. The proposed truce calls for talks on ending the 21-month war altogether.
Top 5 stories this week:
1. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra - Pilgrims' progress: With India-China ties improving, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has resumed after a nearly six-year hiatus. Suhasini Haidar and Rahul Karmakar report on what it takes to make the arduous trek to a site considered sacred by followers of many religions
2. Ageing population, labour crunch prompt Germany to open doors for skilled migration, writes Stanly Johny ece
3. G. Sampath writes on Rafael Grossi, the nuclear policeman
4. Common goals: The Hindu editorial on India and the PM's a five-nation tour
5. Former diplomat and China expert Ashok K. Kantha writes on 'The new battle challenge of China-Pakistan collusion'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
9 minutes ago
- Economic Times
EAM Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi talk trade, push for stability
Synopsis External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi to discuss trade restrictions, border issues, and global developments like the Ukraine conflict. Both ministers emphasized the need for mutual respect and sensitivity to move forward after a difficult period in their relationship. PTI **EDS: THIRD PARTY IMAGE** In this image released by @DrSJaishankar via X on Aug. 18, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting, in New Delhi. (@DrSJaishankar on X via PTI Photo) (PTI08_18_2025_000432B) New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on trade restrictions and other key issues, saying the two nations must move forward after "a difficult period in our relationship".The two ministers also exchanged views on global developments, including the Ukraine conflict and US tariffs."Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This calls for a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In doing so, we must be guided by the three mutuals - respect, sensitivity and interest. Differences must not turn into disputes, nor competition into conflict," Jaishankar said in his opening Yi is on a two-day visit to India ahead of PM Narendra Modi's China trip for the SCO Summit, where he may also meet President Xi Jinping. He will hold the next round of Special Representative-level talks with NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday, and also meet covered economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. Jaishankar also raised concerns - notably Beijing's trade restrictions - which he had flagged during his China visit in July. China has halted DAP fertiliser exports to India without any official notice. Resumption is on the agenda. Efforts are also under way to restore imports of rare earth magnets and pharmaceuticals from two ministers also discussed maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control. Jaishankar stressed in his opening remarks that border issues were crucial, "as positive momentum in ties rests on the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity along the border. The de-escalation process must also move forward.""We seek a fair and balanced multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is the need of the hour. There is an urgent need to maintain and enhance stability in the global economy. The fight against terrorism in all its forms remains a major priority."The two ministers also discussed issues that "serve both our interests and address our concerns," as well as the SCO agenda ahead of the summit China is hosting from August 31.
Time of India
12 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Very worried about China', says OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with a warning for America and the new 'China-Safe' chips policy
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a stark warning that America may be underestimating the complexity and seriousness of China's advancements in artificial intelligence. During a rare on-the-record briefing with a small group of reporters, Altman said that relying on export controls alone is likely not a reliable solution to the geopolitical AI race. "I'm worried about China," Altman stated, speaking over Mediterranean tapas in San Francisco's Presidio, last week. According to a report in CNBC, he emphasized that the US–China AI race is deeply entangled, encompassing more than just who is ahead on a simple scoreboard. Altman detailed the various layers of the AI landscape, including inference capacity, research, and product development. "I don't think it'll be as simple as: Is the U.S. or China ahead?" he said, adding that China might be able to build inference capacity faster. 'China-Safe' chips policy not enough Despite the escalating U.S. export controls on semiconductors, Altman expressed skepticism that these policies are keeping up with the technical reality. When asked if it would be reassuring to have fewer GPUs reaching China, he responded, "My instinct is that doesn't work." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Altman elaborated on the challenges of a purely policy-driven approach, suggesting that export controls on one specific item might not be effective. "You can export-control one thing, but maybe not the right thing… maybe people build fabs or find other workarounds," he noted, referring to semiconductor fabrication facilities. "I'd love an easy solution," he added, "But my instinct is: That's hard." Altman's comments come as Washington continues to adjust its policies aimed at curbing China's AI ambitions. While the Biden administration initially tightened export controls, President Donald Trump went a step further in April by halting the supply of advanced chips altogether. However, just last week, the U.S. created an exception for certain "China-safe" chips, allowing sales to resume under a controversial agreement that requires chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD to give the federal government a percentage of their China chip revenue. The result is a complex and often contradictory set of rules that may be easier to navigate than to enforce. While U.S. companies deepen their reliance on chips from key American firms, Chinese companies are actively developing alternatives from domestic suppliers like Huawei. This raises questions about whether the strategy of cutting off supply is having its intended effect, or simply accelerating China's push for self-sufficiency in AI technology. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Economic Times
24 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Peter Navarro to India: Act like a US partner or pay the price
Synopsis Peter Navarro has criticized India's crude oil imports from Russia, deeming them "opportunistic" and warning of consequences for the US-India strategic partnership. He alleges India's actions are financing Russia's war in Ukraine and jeopardizing access to US markets. These remarks precede a postponed US trade negotiation visit and potential tariffs on Indian goods due to continued Russian oil purchases. Reuters Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing for U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks to the media outside the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/ File Photo New Delhi: US President Donald Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro on Monday criticised India's crude oil imports from Russia, calling the move "opportunistic" and warning that if India "wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it needs to start acting like one".In an opinion piece in the Financial Times, Navarro alleged that India was "now cosying up to both Russia and China" and argued that New Delhi's Russian crude purchases must stop as they were financing Moscow's war in Ukraine. His comments come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, even as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi visits New Delhi for talks on the disputed border. "This two-pronged policy will hit India where it hurts-its access to US markets - even as it seeks to cut off the financial lifeline it has extended to Russia's war effort," Navarro said India's reliance on Russian crude was "opportunistic and deeply corrosive of global efforts to isolate Putin's war economy". The remarks assume significance as US trade negotiators have postponed their planned August 25-29 visit for the sixth round of Bilateral Trade Agreement talks, the first tranche of which is targeted for conclusion by autumn. Trump has already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, including a 25% penal levy for continued purchases of Russian oil, despite the external affairs ministry's assertion that India is being unfairly singled out while the US and EU continue to source energy from the 25% tariff on Indian goods entering the US took effect on August 7, the additional 25%, announced as penalty for crude and defence imports from Russia, will kick in on August 27. "India acts as a global clearing house for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports while giving Moscow the dollars it needs," Navarro wrote, adding that it was risky to transfer cutting-edge US military capabilities to a country "cosying up to both Russia and China".
