After Rijiju flutter, govt says it has no position on religious matters

INDIA on Friday said it neither takes a position nor comments on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion, responding to the Dalai Lama's recent statement on the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution, which had drawn a sharp reaction from China.

- JAYANTH JACOB AND RAJESH KUMAR THAKUR @ New Delhi

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so," he further said.