India never used me against China, says Dalai Lama

New Delhi/Bomdila (Arunachal)/Beijing: Amid protests by Beijing against his scheduled visit to Tawang, the Dalai Lama on Wednesday said India has never used him against China.

“India has never used me against China. I am a messenger of the ancient Indian thought and I talk about ahimsa, peace, harmony and secular ethics wherever I go,” the Tibetan spiritual leader said while talking to the media here.

His remarks came after Chinese state media said India is using the Dalai Lama as a diplomatic leverage to challenge China’s “bottom line”.

“I am a Buddhist. The entire Himalayan range had been traditionally following Buddhist dharma and modern physics is based on Buddhist philosophy,” he said.

On corruption, the Dalai Lama said graft is a big problem facing the world and it was increasing because of lack of moral principles.

He spoke fondly of Arunachal Pradesh and said he had a special connection with the state as it served as his point of entry when he arrived in India in 1959.

“When I got freedom, when I first reached India, I entered through Arunanchal Pradesh. I have an emotional connect with the state. It is a special place for me,” he said.

The Dalai Lama thanked Indian government for letting him visit the frontier state.

“I would like to thank the government of India. I have been here since 1959. India has taken great care of me. I am their longest staying guest. I am thankful to them,” he added. He gave a discourse at Buddha Park here this morning.

The spiritual leader had arrived here on Tuesday evening from Guwahati accompanied by state Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

On Thursday, he would impart teachings at Dirang and confer the ‘Avalokiteshvara Permission’ at Thupsung Dhargyeling Monastery in the morning.

From April 8 to 10, the Dalai Lama will deliver discourses in Tawang. Owing to the rescheduled visit, he would not be able to go to Itanagar.   

India hurt ties: China
China lodged a protest with India's ambassador in Beijing over the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and warned that it would take “necessary measures” to defend its territorial sovereignty interests.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying was quoted by news agencies as saying, “India in disregard to China’s concerns obstinately arranged the Dalai Lama’s visit to the disputed part of the eastern part of China-India border, causing serious damage to China’s interests and China-India relations. China firmly opposes this move. China's stand on the eastern part of the borders is consistent and clear”.