The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Leh on July 15th, marking his first visit in approximately four years. This visit comes at a time of strained relations between India and China due to the standoff in eastern Ladakh.
China has consistently opposed the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visits to the region, including his last visit in 2018.
This trip is also the Dalai Lama’s first major one since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
The duration of his stay in Leh remains uncertain. A source from his private office in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, indicated that the spiritual leader will stay for about a month at Choglamsar village on the bank of the Indus river.
During his visit, he will impart teachings, known as summer teachings in Leh, to Buddhists as well as people from other communities.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he called the Dalai Lama to wish him a happy 87th birthday. Modi’s public announcement of the call for the second consecutive year holds diplomatic significance, as Beijing refers to the Dalai Lama as a “splittist.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian emphasized that “the Indian side should fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama” and urged India to refrain from using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs.
India has maintained that both sides should be mindful of “mutual sensitivities, interests, and concerns.”
In response to Beijing’s comments, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi reiterated India’s consistent policy of treating the Dalai Lama as an honored guest and respected religious leader. His Holiness’s birthday is celebrated by many followers in India and abroad, and the Prime Minister’s birthday greetings should be viewed in this overall context.
Stanzin Konchok, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council councillor from Chushul, eastern Ladakh, stated that “His Holiness the Dalai Lama accepted the request of invitation made by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, and the entire arrangement is being made by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the local government.”
“He is expected to give three-day teachings and is anticipated to stay here for about a month, weather and his health permitting,” Konchok added.
According to sources, former MP Thupten Tsewang and other prominent Buddhist personalities such as Ladakh Buddhist Association president Thupstan Chewang and Thiksay Monastery’s Thiksay Rinpoche had requested the Dalai Lama to visit Leh.
