India uses rumor of Dalai Lama's ill health to mend China ties

If Tibetan exile flow is stemmed, Beijing might compromise on territorial claim

The Dalai Lama, seen here marking his 60th year in exile, in March, has come to play a role that his successor may have difficulty filling.

YUJI KURONUMA, Nikkei staff writer

August 7, 2018 17:02 JST

DHARAMSALA -- Rumors are flying around in this northern Indian city, home to the Tibetan government-in-exile, that the 14th Dalai Lama is suffering from terminal cancer.

With Tibetan exiles deeply worried about the 83-year-old religious leader, the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been using the situation to take a more conciliatory approach to China. Modi also seems to be lowering the standing of the Tibetan government-in-exile.