Tibetan and Indian strategic thinkers discuss India-Tibet-China relations

DHARAMSHALA: Tibetan leadership and members of India's strategic community convened in Dharamshala for a closed-door roundtable on "India-Tibet-China & the Shifting World Order," focusing on evolving Indo-Pacific geopolitics and regional security. The meeting was part of a broader orientation programme held from March 30 to April 2, organised by the Tibet Action Institute in collaboration with the Asia Strategic Forum and Closed Door Policy Consulting. The initiative brought Indian strategic thinkers and researchers to Dharamshala to engage with Tibetan leadership and institutions.

Dorjee Tsetan, programme director at Tibet Action Institute, said the goal was to strengthen engagement between Indian scholars and the Tibetan government-in-exile. He noted that participants included representatives from eight leading Indian think tanks and that discussions aimed to deepen understanding of Tibet's role in India-China relations. The roundtable included Tibetan scholars, researchers, and activists, enabling informed exchanges on geopolitics, ecology, and security.

Tsetan emphasized Tibet's strategic importance, describing it as central to Indo-Pacific geopolitics and India's security concerns. He highlighted briefings on environmental and military developments in Tibet, including Chinese infrastructure expansion and its potential long-term implications for India. Discussions also addressed religious issues, particularly China's stance on Tibetan reincarnation traditions and their broader political and cultural significance.

Co-organiser Jyotsna Mehra explained that the programme brought together emerging Indian analysts from diverse fields such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, civilisational history, and foreign policy. She described the roundtable as an important opportunity for candid, closed-door dialogue between Indian and Tibetan participants, allowing for frank exchanges of ideas.

Participants underscored Tibet's growing importance in India-China relations. Namrata Hasija pointed to the lasting impact of tensions such as the Galwan Valley clash and stressed that unresolved issues continue to shape bilateral ties. She suggested that Tibet is likely to remain a key factor in future relations, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding the post-Dalai Lama scenario and potential Chinese pressure on India.

Kamal Madishetty highlighted discussions on environmental degradation in Tibet, including mining activities and mega dam construction. He noted that these developments have implications beyond Tibet, affecting major Asian river systems and raising concerns for India's environmental and national security. He also pointed to conversations on China's military activities and the future of Tibetan identity, leadership, and political movement. (ANI)

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