(TibetanReview.net, Dec 24, 2014) – The head of the exile Tibetan administration at Dharamshala, India, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay took part in a three-day India Ideas Conclave at Goa beginning Dec 19. He took part in a plenary session on “Enduring Peace in South Asia”, joining former Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Jigme Thinley, and Sri Lankan Ambassador Prasad, with former Indian Ambassador G Parthsarathy as the moderator.
He cited spiritual, historical, geopolitical and environmental factors underlying Tibet’s role in maintaining peace in the region. Calling Tibet the key for enduring peace in South Asia, he has noted that tension between China and India began with their 962 war and continued ever since, with border incursions occurring every year.
The 2014 conclave was organised by the state government of Goa and India Foundation. More than 250 participants from around the world, including diplomats, journalists, educationists, security experts, former heads of state and parliamentarians took part in the conclave. India’s Union government ministers Piyush Goyal and Jayant Sinha were among the participants.
Those who attended the conclave’s inaugural function included India’s Defence Minister Mr Manohar Parrikar, Railway Minister Mr Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Commerce and Industry Ms Nirmala Sitaraman, the Chief Minister of Goa Mr Laxmikant Parsekar, and US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.