Modi Meets US Delegation Who Called on Dalai Lama
New Delhi: In a clear snub to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a seven-member US Congressional delegation on Thursday. The delegation, led by Republican Michael McCaul, had met the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, a day earlier, infuriating Beijing.
The delegation, which included former US House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi and other prominent members, described India-US relations as crucial and expressed strong support for deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership in areas like trade, technology, and defense. They congratulated Modi on his historic third consecutive term and praised the fairness of India's recent elections.
Modi highlighted the bipartisan support of the US Congress in advancing India-US ties, based on shared democratic values and strong people-to-people connections. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations for global benefit, recalling his State Visit to the US last year.
Pelosi, during her visit to Dharamsala, criticised Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed support for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause. The visit coincided with the US Congress passing the Resolve Tibet Act, which urges China to resume negotiations with Tibetan leaders.
China's foreign ministry urged President Biden not to sign the bipartisan Tibet Policy Bill, reiterating that Tibet's affairs are China's domestic matters and warning against external interference.
The Dalai Lama, regarded as the supreme Tibetan spiritual leader, fled to India in 1959 following a failed revolt against Chinese rule. Based in Dharamsala, his advanced age has raised concerns about the selection of his successor, a potential flashpoint between Beijing and the exiled Tibetan community.
India recognises Tibet as part of China but considers the Dalai Lama an "honoured guest" and a "religious leader" with a significant following. Beijing, however, views the Dalai Lama as a political figure engaged in anti-China separatist activities.