DHARAMSHALA, India (Diya TV) — The U.S. government has restored $7 million in aid to the Tibetan government in exile, reversing earlier cuts made under President Donald Trump. Penpa Tsering, president of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), confirmed the development during celebrations marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday in Dharamshala, India.
The reinstated aid will support projects focused on health, education, and community welfare for Tibetan refugees. The decision comes at a crucial time, as global attention turns to the Dalai Lama’s succession plan—an issue that has long created tension between Tibetan leaders and China.
The Trump administration had slashed foreign aid as part of its “America First” strategy, which affected programs across the world. Tibetan projects were among those hit, impacting the CTA’s momentum in serving the exile community.
Tsering said the Tibetans had become “collateral damage” in those broader cuts. But after persistent diplomatic efforts, the funding has now been restored. “I’m happy to inform you that the U.S. government has decided to lift the termination,” he told reporters Tuesday. “We received this communication just the day before yesterday.” The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has not commented yet.
The $7 million in aid will be used to strengthen health and education services in Tibetan exile communities, many of which are based in India and Nepal. These projects play a critical role in preserving Tibetan culture and identity.
According to Tsering, the cut in aid had disrupted progress. “We did manage to get stop-gap arrangements from other governments,” he said. “Also, we’ll be looking to diversify our sources in the future.”
The restoration of funding signals renewed U.S. support for the Tibetan people. It also highlights Washington’s commitment to promoting human rights and religious freedom, especially amid growing friction with China.
The announcement came as the Dalai Lama addressed his followers on his 90th birthday. The Tibetan spiritual leader, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, assured the public that he would be reincarnated after his death. He also outlined the succession process, which directly challenges China’s authority.
Beijing insists it has the final say in selecting the next Dalai Lama. But Tibetan leaders, backed by the U.S. and other Western nations, reject that claim. The succession of the Dalai Lama is not only a religious issue but also a political flashpoint in China’s long-standing dispute with the exiled Tibetan government.
The United States has repeatedly criticized China’s human rights record in Tibet. Lawmakers in Washington have vowed to oppose any attempt by Beijing to influence the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
In recent years, Congress has passed several laws to support Tibetan autonomy, including the Tibet Policy and Support Act. These efforts aim to preserve the religious and cultural heritage of Tibet, while also countering China’s growing global influence.
The reinstatement of U.S. aid comes as China and the United States compete for geopolitical influence. Tibet remains a symbolic and strategic issue within that rivalry. Restoring funding to the CTA sends a message of solidarity with Tibetans and underscores America’s commitment to democratic values abroad.
For Tibetan leaders like Tsering, the restored aid offers both relief and renewed purpose. “This support strengthens our mission to serve the Tibetan people,” he said. As the Dalai Lama’s succession looms, the restored funding will play a key role in sustaining the exile community during a pivotal moment in its history.
