Kiren Rijiju meets Dalai Lama in Delhi, finds him recovering well post knee surgery
Synopsis
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's personal visit to the Dalai Lama in New Delhi puts the spotlight on the 90-year-old spiritual leader's second major knee surgery in two years — and on his upcoming Ladakh trip, where he is set to mark his 91st birthday on 6 July. India's political establishment is watching closely.
Key Takeaways
Kiren Rijiju visited the Dalai Lama in New Delhi on 26 June to enquire about his health.
The Dalai Lama recently underwent a left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi; his physician called it “very successful.” The 90-year-old spiritual leader is recovering steadily under close medical supervision and is in good spirits.
This follows a right knee replacement the Dalai Lama had in New York in 2024 .
He is expected to travel to Ladakh by end of June and mark his 91st birthday on 6 July there.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday, 26 June visited the Dalai Lama in New Delhi to check on the Tibetan spiritual leader's health following his recent left knee replacement surgery. Rijiju said the 90-year-old spiritual leader was in good spirits and on a steady path to recovery.
What Rijiju Said
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Rijiju wrote: “I went to enquire after the health of His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Delhi. Delighted to see him in good spirits & recovering well after his recent knee surgery. I sought his profound blessings. As always, left inspired by his compassion, wisdom & humility.”
Surgery and Medical Update
The Dalai Lama recently underwent a left knee replacement at a hospital in New Delhi. His personal physician, Dr Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang, confirmed the procedure was “very successful” and that the spiritual leader returned to his hospital room in stable condition. The medical team has since reported that his recovery is progressing well. The Dalai Lama's office also expressed gratitude to the hospital's medical, nursing, and administrative staff for their care and professionalism.
Notably, this is the second major knee surgery the Dalai Lama has undergone in recent years. He had a right knee replacement in New York in 2024, after which he recovered well and resumed public engagements.
Upcoming Plans: Ladakh Visit and 91st Birthday
Following his recovery, the Dalai Lama is expected to travel to Ladakh towards the end of June for his annual summer stay — a long-standing tradition of spending the summer months in the union territory to avoid the monsoon season in Dharamshala. This year's Ladakh visit is also expected to coincide with his 91st birthday on 6 July, with celebrations likely to be held there.
Global Significance of His Recovery
The Dalai Lama continues to command wide respect across the world for his message of peace, compassion, and non-violence. Political leaders, spiritual followers, and well-wishers have been closely tracking updates on his health. Minister Rijiju's visit underscores the Indian government's regard for the Tibetan spiritual leader, whose well-being carries both religious and diplomatic weight.
Point of View
At 90, is a matter of global consequence: his succession and the future of Tibetan Buddhism's institutional leadership are questions that Beijing, Dharamshala, and New Delhi are all quietly preparing for. The fact that a senior Cabinet minister personally visited — and publicised it on X — reflects a deliberate choice to keep that relationship visible. With the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday approaching and a Ladakh visit planned, the coming weeks will draw fresh international attention to both his health and India's Tibet policy.
NationPress
26 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kiren Rijiju visit the Dalai Lama in New Delhi?
Rijiju visited the Dalai Lama on 26 June to enquire about his health following a recent left knee replacement surgery. The minister said he found the spiritual leader in good spirits and recovering well.
How successful was the Dalai Lama's knee surgery?
The Dalai Lama's personal physician, Dr Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang, confirmed the left knee replacement was 'very successful' and that the 90-year-old returned to his hospital room in stable condition. His recovery is reported to be progressing steadily under close medical supervision.
Has the Dalai Lama had knee surgery before?
Yes. The Dalai Lama underwent a right knee replacement in New York in 2024, from which he recovered well and resumed public engagements. The recent surgery in New Delhi was on his left knee.
What are the Dalai Lama's plans after recovery?
The Dalai Lama is expected to travel to Ladakh towards the end of June for his annual summer stay. His 91st birthday falls on 6 July, and celebrations are likely to be held in Ladakh.
What is the significance of Rijiju's visit?
As Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Rijiju's personal visit and public post on X signal the Indian government's regard for the Dalai Lama. It also carries diplomatic significance given the sensitivity around India's relationship with Tibet and China.
