Tashi Delek and Namaste to all the Honorable Members of the Indian Parliament and my colleague!

It is a great honor to welcome each of you this evening. Your presence is a testament to your unwavering support for Tibet and the Tibetan cause, for which we are profoundly grateful.

India has been a second home for Tibetans since 1959 when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and many of our brothers and sisters sought refuge here. India’s open arms and unwavering support have provided us with a new home, allowing us to preserve our culture, language, religion, and identity in exile. This generous hospitality has earned India a special place in our hearts, and we remain forever indebted to the government and people of India.

The relationship between India and Tibet is rooted in deep spiritual, cultural, and historical ties. Buddhism, which spread from India to Tibet over a millennium ago, remains a cornerstone of our connection. This bond has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation over the years. Our shared heritage and values have created a foundation of trust and respect that we wish to further strengthen.

The All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) is a dynamic forum that brings together Indian political leaders with the shared objective of providing support and advocating for Tibet. It was first established in 1970 under the leadership of Shri M. C. Chagla. Subsequently, Mr. George Fernandes and Mr. Mohan Singh took over the Forum. The establishment of this Forum exemplifies the support we receive from the leadership of India. We are immensely grateful for the solidarity shown by the Indian people and their leadership.

Shri Sujeet Kumar has admirably served as the convener of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet since 2021 for almost 3 years, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to him for his active and dedicated participation in this role. His leadership and commitment have significantly contributed to the forum’s efforts in advocating for the Tibetan cause. Under his exemplary guidance, the forum has strengthened its efforts in supporting the Tibetan cause, ensuring that our voices are heard and our concerns addressed. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding and stronger support for Tibet within the Indian Parliament and beyond. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Sujeet Kumar ji and I wish you the best for all your future endeavors.

The APIPFT is revived every five years following the Lok Sabha elections, and along with that a new convener of the APIPFT is appointed to lead the APIPFT. Today, I would like to request Shri Mahtab Ji to take on the position of Convener of the APIPFT from this day forward. As you may know, Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab is a senior politician and a seven-time Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Cuttack constituency in Odisha. He was first elected to the 12th Lok Sabha and has been re-elected in every subsequent election, serving in the 13th through 18th Lok Sabhas. He was also awarded the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2017. He has consistently done outstanding work for the people and the government of India. And also he has been a vocal advocate for the Tibetan struggle in Parliament, and for that, I express my gratitude. Sir, It would be an honor for us if you could accept this role.

We would like for Shri Tapir Gao to assume the role of co-convener of the forum. His extensive experience and dedication to the cause make him an excellent candidate for this position. His involvement would undoubtedly enhance the forum’s efforts and bring valuable insights to our shared mission.

In this regard, I kindly request all esteemed members to provide any necessary assistance and support to our honorable convener and co-convener as they take on this important role. Your cooperation and dedication are vital to the continued success of the forum and our collective efforts in advocating for Tibet. Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment.

I am pleased to share the important news that the Resolve Tibet Act has recently been signed into law by President Joe Biden of the United States. This significant legislation helps counter misinformation from the PRC and upholds the Tibetan people’s inalienable right to self-determination according to international law.

Through this forum and with your leadership, I would like to request that in the coming years we adopt a similar approach, whether in the form of a motion, resolution, or even during zero hours, affirming the people of Tibet’s right to self-determination as per international law.

Internationally, Tibet has garnered support from many countries, including the U.S. and nations across Europe and Asia. However, India’s support holds unique significance as our host country. The friendship and assistance we receive here are crucial for our continued struggle for justice and freedom in Tibet.

I would like to extend an invitation to all of you to visit the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This visit will offer you a firsthand understanding of our administration and the resilience of the Tibetan people. It is an opportunity to deepen our friendship and mutual understanding.

Thank you once again. Let us work together to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and human rights. We cordially anticipate our meeting in Tibet someday.

Jai Bharat! Jai Tibet!