US Delegation to Meet Dalai Lama

In a show of bipartisan solidarity, a high-profile delegation of US lawmakers has arrived in Dharamshala, India, to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The delegation, led by Michael McCaul, the Republican Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, includes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other prominent members of Congress.

The visit comes on the heels of the US House of Representatives passing the ‘Resolve Tibet  Act’, a bipartisan bill urging Beijing to re-engage with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to resolve their dispute. It rejects China's historical claims over Tibet and calls for an end to disinformation about Tibetan history and the Dalai Lama. The Act stresses the need for renewed dialogue, as no formal talks have occurred since 2010.

As the delegation landed at Kangra Airport, they were warmly welcomed by the local Tibetan community. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W. Meeks expressed his delight with the traditional greeting, “Tashi Delek,” upon arrival. 

Chants of “Tashi Delek Nancy Pelosi” echoed through the streets as the community expressed their gratitude and excitement over the visit from one of America’s top politicians. Nancy Pelosi expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasised the significance of her meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Michael McCaul, addressing the media, conveyed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “Greetings to the people of Dharamshala. We are excited to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama. President Biden will sign the Tibet Resolve Act, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the Tibetan cause and promoting dialogue.”

The delegation will meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 19th June, followed by a felicitation ceremony by the Central Tibetan Administration on behalf of Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile at the main temple, Dharamshala.