For many centuries, Tibet was India’s immediate neighbor. Boundaries between the two countries were established with a 3500km Line of Actual Control (LAC), which separated India from the Tibetan Autonomous Region. In 1914, Tibetan and Chinese representatives joined in signing the Simla Convention with British India. This agreement outlined the boundaries between the countries, including the McMahon line separating India from what is now China.
However, when China fully annexed Tibet in 1950, it rejected the McMahon line and, therefore, the agreed boundaries. Consequently, in 1954, India and China signed an agreement recognizing Tibet as a part of China, dubbing it the “Tibet region of China”.
The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, and his followers fled to India after the 1959 Tibetan uprising. Former Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru provided shelter and support to establish the Tibetan government in exile. The official position of the Indian Government is that the Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and does not permit the exiled community of over a lakh Tibetans in India to participate in political activities.
Tensions with China prompt a shift in India’s Tibet Policy
In light of escalating tensions between India and China, there has been a noticeable shift in India’s policy towards Tibet. Indian Government officials have started publicly engaging with the Dalai Lama. An instance of this was in 2014, when the Indian Prime Minister invited the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, to his oath-taking ceremony.
However, in 2019 the same invitation was not extended, presumably to ensure a smooth conduct of a second informal summit with Chinese president Xi Jinping. Quite recently however, the Prime Minister openly wished the Dalai Lama — the first such public acknowledgement from his side since 2013.
While this shift in India’s Tibet policy seems largely symbolic, it does bring to focus many associated challenges.
Challenges in India’s approach to Tibet Policy
The current Tibet policy of the Indian Government faces numerous challenges, including changing demographic dynamics in Tibet with China encouraging migration from the mainland. The suppression of cultural links between Tibetans and the Dalai Lama, coupled with infrastructural investments from Beijing, are concerning.
Another alarming development is the raising of Tibetan Militia groups by China, particularly post border skirmishes in Galwan valley, which could potentially pitch Tibetans against each other.
On the home front, the Indian government’s decision to withhold citizenship for Tibetans born in India after 1987 creates dissatisfaction among the community’s youth. Recent years have also seen the US increase its involvement by accepting more Tibetan refugees, which could impact India’s exclusive role in addressing the future of Tibetan refugees.
One major concern is the question of the Dalai Lama’s succession. The 86-year-old spiritual leader has asserted his successor could be a living incarnation, located perhaps in India or another country like Taiwan.
Moving Forward: A Need for an Assertive Stand on Tibet
India currently implements an executive policy on Tibetans residing in the country. Despite the implementation being a notable development for Tibetan welfare, the lack of legal backing on core Tibet issues, such as calls for freedom in Tibet, remains a crucial gap.
Given the current geopolitical climate, it’s high time for India to adopt a more assertive stance on the Tibet issue while dealing with China. It’s also important to circumvent a potential situation where a young, restive Tibetan population in India may seek leadership outside the country after the Dalai Lama.