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Updated Jun 12, 2026 · 09:16
India News Updated Jun 12, 2026

Dalai Lama Discharged After Successful Knee Surgery in Delhi

The Dalai Lama was discharged from a Delhi hospital after successful left knee replacement surgery. He underwent the procedure on June 8 and is expected to make a full recovery. The spiritual leader plans to visit Ladakh in late June and celebrate his 91st birthday on July 6. He has lived in exile in India since 1959 after fleeing Chinese occupation of Tibet.

Dalai Lama discharged from Delhi hospital after knee replacement surgery

Dharamsala, June 12

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who underwent a left knee replacement surgery at a hospital in New Delhi, was discharged on Friday, a medical bulletin said.

Earlier in June 2024, the elderly Buddhist monk underwent a right knee replacement at the hospital for special surgery in New York City and made an excellent recovery.

A Senior Consultant at the hospital said: "His Holiness the Dalai Lama underwent successful left knee replacement surgery on Monday, June 8. Throughout his treatment, His Holiness's personal medical team and the office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama remained in close coordination with the administrative and medical staff at Apollo Hospitals. His Holiness is stable and expected to make a full recovery. He was discharged on Friday morning, June 12. It has been a great honour for the hospital and the medical team to serve His Holiness the Dalai Lama."

After recovery, the spiritual leader is scheduled to visit Ladakh towards the end of June for an extended stay, his office has already announced.

The spiritual leader, a symbol of Buddhism, loves travelling across the remote, mountainous Ladakh region bordering Tibet to give audiences to people of all faiths, often drawing criticism from China. His Holiness will also attend a public programme in honour of his 91st birthday on July 6, likely in Leh.

In 1959, the occupying Chinese troops suppressed the Tibetan national uprising in Lhasa and forced the Dalai Lama and over 80,000 Tibetans into exile in India and neighbouring countries. On reaching India after a three-week treacherous journey, the Dalai Lama took up residence for about a year in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand.

Currently, the Tibetan government-in-exile is based in Dharamsala, the hillside town in northern India in Himachal Pradesh, where a community of Tibetans lives in exile with the Dalai Lama, hoping to sustain their struggle to secure complete autonomy in their Chinese-ruled homeland, Tibet.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

The Dalai Lama is a symbol of peace and compassion. His message of non-violence has inspired many across India. I'm glad he's recovering well after his knee surgery. India has always been a sanctuary for Tibetan refugees, and it's our moral duty to uphold their cause.

Vikram M

Get well soon, Dalai Lama ji! 🙏 But seriously, China's criticism of his Ladakh visits is ridiculous. He's just a spiritual leader spreading Buddhism. India should not cave to pressure—let him travel freely. The border regions need his calm presence.

Sarah B

I'm from the US, but I lived in Dharamsala for a year. The Tibetan community there is incredible. The Dalai Lama's hospital stay in Delhi shows how well Indian medical facilities are. Enjoy your 91st birthday celebrations in Leh! 🎂

Rohit P

While I respect his spiritual leadership, I think India should be careful about how much political space we give the Tibetan government-in-exile. China is our neighbour and trade partner. We can host the Dalai Lama for humanitarian reasons but shouldn't antagonise Beijing unnecessarily. Let's focus on bilateral ties.

Kavya N

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 The Dalai Lama is a living gem of Buddhism. India's hospitality and medical expertise shine once again. Ladakh is going to be buzzing with his visit. Hope his 91st birthday celebrations are peaceful and grand.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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