New Delhi: On 25 March 2025, a preliminary meeting of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) and the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India (CGTC-I), facilitated by the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), was held at the Constitution Club of India, chaired by Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, MP (LS)/Convener, All-Party Indian Parliamentary forum for Tibet and co-chaired by Shri Tapir Gao, MP (LS)/Co-convener, All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet. The meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary advocacy for Tibet, and raising public awareness among India masses while addressing challenges faced by the Tibetan community in India.  

The meeting was attended by several esteemed Members of Parliament, including Shri Supongmeren Jamir (MP, Lok Sabha, Nagaland, INC), Shri Amarsing Tisso (MP, Lok Sabha, Assam, BJP), Shri Indra Hang Subba (MP, Lok Sabha, Sikkim, SKM), Shri Gaurav Gogoi (MP, Lok Sabha, Assam, INC), Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab (Senior MP, Lok Sabha, Odisha), Shri Tapir Gao (MP, Lok Sabha, Arunachal Pradesh, BJP), Shri Kamkhya Prasad Tasa (MP, Lok Sabha, Assam, BJP), Smt. June Malia (MP, Lok Sabha, West Bengal, AITC), Shri Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur (MP, Lok Sabha, Manipur, INC), and Shri Joyanta Basumatary (MP, Lok Sabha, Assam, UPPL). Also present were Shri R.K. Khrimey, National Convener of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India (CGTC-I), and Jigmey Jungney, Representative of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, New Delhi. The meeting focused on key discussions related to Tibet and initiatives to strengthen support for the Tibetan cause in India. 

Discussions also highlighted the importance of preserving Tibetan identity in India, particularly in light of China’s assimilation policies. Discussion item included raising the Tibet issue in Parliament and State Assemblies to garner legislative support, while also creating public awareness about Tibet and Tibetans in India. Additionally, challenges faced by Tibetans, are being addressed through policy discussions and interventions.  

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of recognition of Tibetan Identity Certificates (IC) by immigration officers, causing travel difficulties for Tibetans. The meeting concluded with a resolution to hold a follow-up session to finalise action plans for Tibet-related advocacy and awareness programs.

-Report filed by India Tibet Coordination Office, DIIR, CTA