On 19 August 2025, Tibetan exiles led by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) protested in New Delhi against Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit, demanding an end to what they call China’s cultural genocide in Tibet and interference in the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. The demonstrators shouted slogans like “Free Tibet” and “End repression,” waving Tibetan flags near key diplomatic venues.
Indian police detained several protesters temporarily to maintain law and order but released them later the same day. Officials cited security concerns during the high-profile visit, while Tibetan groups intensified calls for international attention to human rights violations. The Chinese government has not publicly responded to the protests.
Protest Chants Echo Tibetan Struggles in India’s Capital
The protest was spearheaded by the Tibetan Youth Congress, with Vice President Tashi Dhargyal among the vocal participants. Activists gathered near the Chinese Embassy and Hyderabad House, locations central to Wang Yi’s diplomatic engagements. They raised slogans condemning Chinese policies in Tibet, including allegations of forced assimilation, political imprisonments, cultural repression, and religious persecution.
Gonpo Dhondup, TYC President, highlighted the plight of over a million Tibetan children enrolled in Chinese-run boarding schools, which he described as efforts to erase Tibetan identity by severing their cultural and religious roots.
Videos shared on social media showed the protesters chanting from a police bus after being detained, underscoring their resilience and peaceful commitment to their cause despite police intervention. Delhi Police officials confirmed the protesters were detained “to prevent any disruption of official events” and emphasised that no excessive force was used.
The police acted within the framework of maintaining security for the visiting delegation, acknowledging the protesters’ right to express dissent within legal limits.
A Complex Diplomatic and Historical Context
This protest comes amid complex India-China geopolitical tensions that have persisted since the 2020 Galwan Valley border clashes. India remains host to one of the world’s largest Tibetan exile communities, including the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and the Central Tibetan Administration based in Dharamshala. The community continues advocating for Tibetan autonomy, preservation of cultural heritage, and international support against Beijing’s hardline policies.
Protests during Chinese official visits to India are not new but remain sensitive, balancing India’s diplomatic relations with China and its commitment to human rights advocacy for Tibetans. The Tibetan Youth Congress and affiliated groups have repeatedly urged Indian policymakers to raise the Tibetan issue at diplomatic forums and international platforms. Their demands also extend to concerns about hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra River, which Tibetans view as threats to their environment, livelihood, and sovereignty.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The sight of peaceful Tibetan exiles chanting slogans from a police bus is a powerful reminder of the enduring human quest for justice, identity, and dignity. While India has legitimate security interests during visits of foreign dignitaries, it is equally critical to uphold fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly of communities.
We urge governments and civil societies to foster spaces where security concerns and human rights coexist harmoniously.
