Opinion | India Can No Longer Stay Silent on Tibet in Its China Policy

Source : PTI

India and China are not at war but they are not at peace either. For more than seven decades, both countries have lived with a tense and unresolved border dispute. At the heart of this issue lies a question that is often avoided in official conversations: Tibet.

India’s official position has long been clear. It recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China. But in recent years, something subtle yet important has changed. India has stopped repeating this position loudly in joint statements with China. This is not accidental, it reflects a shift in thinking.

The Border Dispute: More Than Just Lines on a Map

The India-China conflict is often described as a dispute over the Line of Actual Control (LAC). But the problem is deeper. The LAC is not clearly defined, especially across three sectors Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. This lack of clarity creates constant friction.

At the centre of this tension is Tibet. Historically, Tibet acted as a buffer between India and China. But after China took control of Tibet in the 1950s, that buffer disappeared. Since then, India and China have been directly face-to-face along a contested border.

Dalai Lama: A Spiritual Leader, A Strategic Reality

Another key factor is the presence of 14th Dalai Lama in India. He fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising in Lhasa and was granted asylum by India. Today, he has spent over 67 years in the country.

For millions around the world, he is a spiritual leader. But for China, he is a political challenge.

In India, he has built monasteries, schools, and institutions like the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives. He stepped away from politics in 2011, handing over authority to the Central Tibetan Administration, which operates from Dharamshala.

Despite this, China continues to view his presence in India as interference.

A Changing Indian Strategy

India’s Tibet policy is evolving. While it still officially accepts Tibet as part of China, it is no longer unconditional.

India has stopped mentioning the “One-China policy” in joint statements since 2010
It has taken a stronger stand on territorial integrity
It openly rejects Chinese actions like renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh

For example, on April 1, 2026, China renamed 23 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, calling it “Zangnan” or South Tibet. India strongly rejected this, calling it “baseless” and “mischievous.”

This shows that India is no longer willing to remain passive.

Why Tibet Cannot Be Ignored

Tibet is not just a historical issue, it is a strategic and future concern.

One major challenge is the question of the next Dalai Lama. China has already created its own system to control the selection process. This could lead to competing claims over spiritual leadership.

For India, this is not just religious it is geopolitical.

If China controls the narrative around Tibet’s spiritual leadership, it could strengthen its influence across the Himalayan region.

Time for Direct Dialogue

For years, India has avoided raising Tibet directly in discussions with China. But this approach may no longer work.

A more realistic strategy is needed—one that combines diplomacy with strength.

India must:

Openly discuss Tibet in bilateral talks
Address concerns about the Dalai Lama’s future
Link Tibet to broader border negotiations

Ignoring the issue will not make it disappear.

Conclusion: A Necessary Conversation

India and China will continue to engage, economically, politically, and strategically. But without addressing Tibet, the relationship will remain incomplete.

Tibet is not just about history.
It is about identity, security, and the future of the region.

If India wants lasting stability with China, it must be willing to have a difficult but necessary conversation.

Because sometimes, peace is not built by avoiding issues but by confronting them directly.