An Indian minister says only the Dalai Lama and his organization can identify his successor, contradicting China's position.

Kiren Rijiju, India's minister of parliamentary affairs, said that no one can interfere in the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor, stressing that this is a decision for the spiritual leader and his institution alone. This comes as the Dalai Lama has said he will reincarnate outside China, contrary to Beijing's position that it has the right to approve his successor. Relations between India and China are strained but are beginning to improve.