NewsGate Press Network

A day after top US lawmakers who met Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in Dharamsala held an important meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the National Capital.

A seven-member US Congressional delegation was led by US House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul.

In a post on X, Modi said that he deeply values the strong bipartisan support in advancing India- US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

“Had a very good exchange of views with friends from the US Congress in a delegation led by @RepMcCaul, Chairman of @HouseForeignGOP. Deeply value the strong bipartisan support in advancing India- US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”

After meeting the Dalai Lama on Wednesday, Michael McCaul said that the Tibetans have the right to self-determination and should be allowed to practise their religion freely.

The other members of the delegation included former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Rep. Amerish Babulal “Ami Bera” and Rep. Jim McGovern.

Needless to point out, the meeting with Dalai Lama had angered China.

It may b recalled that last week US Congress had passed the Resolve Tibet Bill, a bipartisan bill to enhance support for Tibet and promote dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama.

The bill now awaiting US President Joe Biden signature, a step away from when it becomes a law in America.

Beijing has already ‘urged’ President Biden not to sign the Tibet policy bill, warning of “resolute measures”.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, in his comments on the US delegation’s visit to Dharamsala, said: “We urge the US to clearly see the sensitivity and importance of Xizang-related issues and earnestly respect China’s core interests on its comments on Xizang (Chinese name for Tibet), refrain from any forms with the Dalai group and stop sending out to the world wrong signals.”

“The so-called Tibet government-in-exile is an out-and-out separatist political group and an illegal organisation in total violation of China’s constitution and laws. It is not recognised by any country,” Lin said.