The historical tensions between India and China have been significantly influenced by the central Asian region known as Tibet. Over time, Tibet has witnessed periods of China asserting administrative control as well as asserting its own independence. In 1950, China took direct control over Tibet, a move that was met with resistance from substantial portions of the Tibetan population. India, in an attempt to advocate for Tibet's independence, engaged with China in negotiations. A significant agreement in this context was the Panchsheel agreement of 1954, which included clauses about the mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. As a result of this agreement, India acknowledged China's claims over Tibet.

The leaders of which political party of India lent their support to the cause of Tibetan independence in the 1950s and 60s?

Both Options 1 and 2

Over the past fifty years, a considerable number of Tibetans have sought refuge in various countries, including India. Delhi has become home to a sizable population of Tibetan refugees, and Dharmashala in Himachal Pradesh stands out as one of the most significant settlements. The Dalai Lama himself has taken up residence in Dharmashala.

During the 1950s and 1960s, numerous political leaders and parties in India, such as the Socialist Party and the Jan Sangh, lent their support to the cause of Tibetan independence.