The 13th Dalai Lama, Thupten Gyatso – Declaration of Independence and Shimla Agreements
Parallel to his dealings with British India, the 13th Dalai Lama strengthened ties with Mongolia, where he had once taken refuge. In 1913, Tibet and Mongolia signed a mutual recognition of independence, asserting their shared Buddhist heritage and aspirations to remain free of foreign domination.
These diplomatic efforts reflected Tibet’s growing assertion on the world stage, anchored in its spiritual identity and political autonomy.
Agvan Dorjiev (Ngawang Dorjee), Buryat-Mongol monk and scholar, was one of the Dalai Lama’s seven debate partners and helped secure the 1913 Tibet-Mongol Treaty
Dorjiev leaving Peterhof Palace after a 1901 audience with Tsar Nicholas II in St. Petersburg.
Official document signed by Dorjiev as ambassador of the Tibetan government.
On 11 January 1913, Tibet and Mongolia signed the Treaty of Friendship and Alliance in Urga, recognizing each other’s independence.
