India, Aug. 12 -- A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators have introduced a bill to ensure American support for the cause of Tibet beyond the lifetime of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Senators Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon and Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho, introduced the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) in the U.S. Senate recently.

The bill seeks to recognise the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people and the continuity of governance established by the Dalai Lama.

It also seeks to direct the U.S. Secretary of State to engage with Sikyong, the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile and designated representatives at the most senior levels.

The bill also seeks to su...