Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stated that the next Dalai Lama will be born in a free and democratic country, explicitly ruling out China due to its lack of democracy. Khandu emphasized that the selection process for the 15th Dalai Lama will begin only after the current 14th Dalai Lama passes away, following established procedures overseen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

The chief minister expressed his hope and prayer for the 14th Dalai Lama’s long life, citing the Dalai Lama’s own prediction of living up to 130 years due to his good health. Khandu also highlighted the Dalai Lama institution’s continuity, saying it has been ongoing for over 600 years and will persist, as confirmed by heads of Buddhist traditions.

Khandu dismissed China’s objections to the Dalai Lama’s succession issue, stating that China has no role in the institution, which is recognized mainly in the Himalayan belt and by Tibetan Buddhists. The chief minister stressed that the next Dalai Lama’s birthplace will be determined by democratic principles, where people have freedom and can express their views.