Despite China’s strong objection to US Ambassador to India Richard Verma’s recent visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday went ahead with clearing Dalai lama’s visit there.
The Tibetan spiritual leader was extended an invitation by Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu to visit the seat of Tibetan monastery in March.
China terms parts of Arunachal as its territory, a claim that India outrightly dismisses. The visit is expected to trigger another bout of reaction from China, which on Monday criticised the American Ambassador’s visit there saying involvement of any third party in the dispute will only complicate the matter. China also protests over visits of Indian Prime Ministers and Presidents to the State.
New Delhi slammed China’s objection saying there was nothing unusual about the visit to the State that is an integral part of India.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Dalai lama is a guest of India and is free to travel across the country. “Dalai lama is a revered spiritual figure and an honoured guest of India. He is absolutely free to travel to any part of the country. It is a fact that he has a sizeable following among the Buddhists in Arunachal Pradesh who like to seek his blessings. He has visited the state in the past as well and we see nothing unusual if he visits again,” Swarup said.