The Dalai Lama has become one of the world’s most recognizable figures while leading a Tibetan diaspora through their struggle for autonomy and opposition of China’s control of Tibet. He has not named a successor, but he says they will be born in the “free world” — outside China.

China has reacted to the announcement from the Dalai Lama that he will be reincarnated after his death and a successor will be appointed.

A day after China said that the Dalai Lama’s successor would be chosen following its seal of approval, India on Thursday made its position clear on the issue, stating it was only the current spiritual