India Foundation organised the fourth session of the Round-Table Discussions in the ongoing “Tibet Talks” series. The topic for this session was ‘The Indian Himalayas and Tibet’. The session was addressed by Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan writer and activist. The Round-Table Discussion took place on 28th March 2024, at the India Foundation office, with the session being chaired by Major Gen Dhruv Katoch, Director, India Foundation.
The speaker’s presentation encompasses diverse facets of Tibetan culture, spanning language, arts, medicine, and cuisine, delineating its geographical and cultural significance. Tibet’s vast expanse, equivalent to 2.5 million square kilometres, belies its often misconceived stature as a small, subterranean nation. In Tenzin Tsundue’s speech, he highlighted the complex dynamics of borders and tribal communities, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between India and Tibet. Tsundue reflected on local customs and interactions along the border, revealing a nuanced understanding of historical treaties and modern geopolitical challenges. He emphasized the significance of bilateral agreements, particularly the 1914, McMohan treaty between Tibet and India. Tsundue underscores China’s contentious stance on territorial disputes and asserts the enduring relevance of historical treaties in understanding contemporary geopolitics. This discourse seeks to illuminate Tibet’s rich tapestry, intricately woven into the fabric of India, bridging diverse cultures and landscapes across the region. The Round-Table Discussion was attended by the young Tibetan diaspora in India, Former Diplomats, Entrepreneurs, Indian scholars, and the India Foundation team.
