India reaffirms support for Dalai Lama during US congressional visit
- In Reports
- 07:35 PM, Jun 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
India reaffirmed its position on the Dalai Lama, underscoring his revered status and the profound respect accorded to him by the Indian people. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), reiterated this stance during a weekly briefing in response to queries concerning India's approach to the succession of the Dalai Lama.
Jaiswal highlighted the spiritual leader's substantial role within India's cultural milieu, emphasising that His Holiness is afforded due courtesies and the freedom to pursue his religious and spiritual activities.
Jaiswal's remarks underscored India's longstanding recognition of the Dalai Lama as a revered religious figure, deeply respected across the country. The MEA spokesperson's comments came amidst ongoing discussions regarding the spiritual leader's succession, further cementing India's position on the matter.
A high-level United States Congressional delegation, led by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, concluded its visit to India from June 16 to 20. The seven-member delegation's itinerary included a visit to Dharamshala on June 18 and 19, where they engaged in discussions and meetings with Indian officials.
During their visit, the delegation called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The discussions covered a range of topics reflecting bilateral interests, including regional security and economic cooperation, as highlighted by Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
The visit underlined the ongoing strategic dialogues and exchanges between India and the United States, underscoring mutual efforts to strengthen ties across various domains. The bipartisan nature of the delegation, which included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, demonstrated the continuing engagement and importance attached to the bilateral relationship by both countries.
The US Congressional delegation's visit to India coincided with the passing of a significant bill by the US Congress urging Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders. Known as 'The Resolve Tibet Act,' the legislation calls for peaceful negotiations to settle disputes over the governance and status of Tibet.
Led by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the delegation included US Representatives Gregory Meeks, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Ami Bera, and Jim McGovern. Their visit to India from June 16 to 20 included meetings with Indian officials in Dharamshala and New Delhi, aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and discussing strategic issues.
The bipartisan nature of the delegation's composition, along with their engagements with Indian leaders, underscored the continuing dialogue and cooperation between India and the United States on regional security and economic matters. The visit highlighted mutual efforts to strengthen relations amidst shared concerns over global and regional stability.
Image source: The Statesman
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