He(Dalai Lama) should not indulge in any political activity:Pranab Mukherjee

India has urged Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, not to indulge in political activities that could hurt Sino-Indian relations.

India has urged Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, not to indulge in political activities that could hurt Sino-Indian relations.

Speaking to media in the city, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said, “The Dalai Lama is a respected guest in India. The nation will continue to offer him all hospitality, but during his stay in India, he should not indulge in any political activity, that could adversely affect relations between India and China.”

Mukherjee's comments assume significance in the light of protests in Dharamsala and other places in India since the government is trying to build closer ties with China and repair decades of mistrust dating back to a 1962 border war.

Analysts however said that the message was aimed more at China than the Dalai Lama as New Delhi has tried to reassure Bejing that security will be tight for the Olympics torch during the Indian leg of its relay.

It is to be noted that on Monday, India's football team captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, a Buddhist by religion had refused to carry the Olympic torch in protest against China's actions in Tibet.

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