India has firmly rejected China's claim regarding the selection of the next Dalai Lama, asserting that the decision rests solely with the current Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized China's interference and reaffirmed the Dalai Lama's exclusive authority in choosing his successor.

China has reacted to the announcement from the Dalai Lama that he will be reincarnated after his death and a successor will be appointed.

The contentious issue is potentially a flashpoint in India’s relationship with China, which has shown signs of a thaw, despite Beijing openly taking sides with Pakistan during the four-day Indo-Pakistan conflict in May.