Dharamshala: A delegation from New Delhi-based independent research centre India Foundation visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang on 9 December 2024.

The delegation consists of Shri Suresh Prabhu, Lt. General Arun Kumar Sahni, Shri Shaurya Doval, Shri Ashok Malik, Prof. Sunaina Singh, Capt Alok Bansal, Rami Desai, Ngawang Gamtso Hardy, and Chitra Shekhawat.

During the meeting, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) underscored the remarkable achievements of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) over the past 65 years, particularly in preserving Tibetan language, culture, and religion despite enduring exile.

The Speaker also praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for a democratic Tibet, which led to the formation of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile in 1960 and the election of the first Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister) in 2001. In 2011, His Holiness devolved political power to the elected leadership, establishing a fully functional democratic system.

The Speaker drew attention to the dire situation in Tibet, where Tibetans face political repression, environmental degradation, and systemic discrimination. He urged the Indian leaders to combat Chinese misinformation and report the truth about Tibet and its people.

The Deputy Speaker, in her address, welcomed the visiting guests and emphasised the CTA’s role as the legitimate representative of Tibetans. She provided historical context, noting Tibet’s once independent status and its diplomatic relations with neighbouring nations. She highlighted China’s occupation of Tibet as the starting point of its aggression toward India and argued that resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict is crucial to resolving the Sino-Indian border dispute.

The Deputy Speaker also spoke out against Chinese policies that restrict Tibetan freedoms, including the indoctrination of Tibetan children in Chinese-run boarding schools, and criticised the destruction of Tibetan language and religion. She called on nations that support China’s One-China policy to reconsider their stance, pointing out that such support ignores historical realities.

In conclusion, the Deputy Speaker stressed the pivotal role India, along with the CTA, can play in resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict and urged a reassessment of India’s foreign policy toward Tibet.

-Report filed by Tibetan Parliamentary Secretariat