Lhakpa Tsering, Chief Representative Officer of the Central Tibetan Government in Exile, says the 90th birthday celebration of spiritual leader Dalai Lama marked contributions to global peace and harmony.

"He is not only a religious leader but also a peace promoter across the world," he told ANI.

"He usually promotes human value, religious harmony, Tibetan culture, and ancient Indian traditions," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Modi said that the Dalai Lama has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths.

In a message on X, the Prime Minister said, "I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life. @DalaiLama."

Amid a row over Dalai Lama's successor selection, an Indian minister on Thursday said the Tibetan spiritual leader can only decide on the same.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, as quoted by India Today, "The position of the Dalai Lama is of utmost importance, not just for Tibetans but for all his followers across the world. The right to decide on his successor rests solely with the Dalai Lama himself."

After the Parliamentary Affairs Minister's remark, China had issued a warning to India, asking New Delhi not to meddle with Beijing's internal matters.

China's Foreign Ministry had said it hopes India will skip using the Tibet issue to meddle into Beijing's internal affairs and avoid affecting the bilateral ties, Deccan Herald reported on Friday.

This comes days after the Dalai Lama clarified that his institution will continue and his successor will be recognised solely by members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.