India, July 4 -- The Indian government does not take any position on matters concerning practices of faith and religion, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday.

The MEA's response comes two days after the Dalai Lama said that a trust of Tibetan Buddhists will have the sole authority to recognise his future reincarnation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.

"We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution," the MEA statement said.

"Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of fai...