New Delhi — Representatives of Tibetan NGOs met with over 30 Indian MPs from 16 different states and eight different political parties over the course of a week. They urged the MPs to recognise and reaffirm that Tibet was historically an independent nation prior to the forced invasion and occupation of Tibet by the People's Republic of China (PRC) since 1950, and to affirm the Indo-Tibetan border. The MPs expressed their deep concern over China's border incursions and their sincere sympathy regarding the issue of Tibetan boarding schools, recognising the serious threat they pose to the preservation of Tibetan identity.
Tibet Advocacy Alliance-India, Tenzin Lobsang from Tibetan Youth Congress, Chonen Dolma from Tibetan Women’s Association, Tenzing Pasang, Students for a Free Tibet, Gedun Tsephel from National Democratic Party for Tibet and Dr Lobsang Yangtso from International Tibet Network, concluded the Tibetan Advocacy Week in New Delhi, on December 12, 2025, which was from December 6 to 12, 2025. The delegation held meetings with over 30 Honourable Members of Parliament, where they formally submitted a four-point agenda and respectfully urged the MPs to raise Tibet-related issues during the ongoing parliamentary session.
The delegation met with 30 members of Parliament, including Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey, Shri Dorjee Tsering, Shri Balwant Baswant Wankhade, Smt Priya Sarij, Shri Ramashankar Vidharthi, Shri G. Kumar Naik, Shri Devesh Shakya, Shri E.T Mohammad Basheer, Shri Brijesh Chowta, Shri Baijayant Jay Panda, Shri Rajeev Bhadawaj, Smt. Jothimani, Shri Sujeet Kumar, Shri Dr. Shivaji B. Kalge, Shri Sanatan Pandey, Shri Dr Hemang Joshi, Shri Kali Charan Singh, Shri Satpal Brahamchari, Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Shri M. Mohamed Abdulla, Shri Tiruchi Siva, Shri Joyanta Basumatary, Shri Manoj Tigga,Shri S. Murasoli, Shri Manoj Kumar Jha, and Shri Bimol Akoijam etc.
The four points of the appeal are as follows:
1. Reaffirm Tibet's Historical Status and the Indo-Tibet Border: We urge Parliament to recognize and reaffirm that Tibet was historically an independent nation before 1950, and to affirm the Indo-Tibet border. We seek a Parliamentary statement advocating continued support for the Tibetan people's struggle for freedom and the right to self-determination.
2. Honour His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Religious Rights: As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama approached 90 this year, we urge Parliament to make a statement acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to global peace. Furthermore, we call on the Government of India to publicly affirm support for Tibetan religious rights, recognizing the Gaden Phodrang Trust's sole authority to recognize his future reincamation.
3. Advocate for the Protection of Tibetan Culture and Language: We demand the immediate abolition of China's colonial boarding school systems. We urge the Government of India to officially raise this critical human rights issue in all bilateral and multilateral meetings with Chinese government representatives, in line with urgent calls from UN Special Procedures and Committees.
4. Recognize Tibet's Strategic and Ecological Significance: Tibet, the "Third Pole," is the source of Asia's major rivers. We urge India to press official concerns about China's construction of the world's largest hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River near the Indian border. We also advocate for an immediate moratorium on all environmentally damaging projects across the Tibetan Plateau.
"We extend our profound gratitude to India, its people, and its leaders for their hospitality and unwavering support for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan cause. In light of the deep strategic and civilizational ties that bind our nations, we affirm that sustaining the discussion on Tibet within Parliament is far more than an act of solidarity; it is a vital imperative for strengthening India's regional security and affirming its moral leadership in Asia," said Chonen Dolma, Joint Secretary, Tibetan Women's Association.
Tenzin Passang, National Director, Students for a Free Tibet said, "What is underway in Tibet is a state-sponsored campaign of cultural genocide. The Chinese government perceives our distinct Tibetan identity as a threat and is now using Tibetan children as a means to assimilate our people through a massive network of colonial boarding schools and preschools. This policy is jeopardising the Tibetan language, culture, and Tibetans' future as a distinct people. We urge India to champion the Tibetan identity, which is so deeply interwoven with India's own civilisational heritage."
"I urge the Government of India to strongly oppose the unlawful and baseless statement made by the CCP-appointed fake Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, who claims that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's reincamation must follow Chinese law. This is a direct assault on Tibetan religious freedom. India must stand firm and clearly affirm that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole and legitimate authority to recognise the future reincarnation of His Holiness. No government, no institution, and no political power has right to interfere in this sacred Tibetan tradition," said Tenzin Lobsang, General Secretary of Tibetan Youth Congress.
"As this marks our third Indian parliamentary engagement since our inception in 2024, we urge every Honourable Member to address these critical issues and proactively raise more questions on Tibet in every session of Parliament," the Tibetan activists urged.
