India rejects China's objection to President-Dalai Lama meet, says event non-political

NEW DELHI: India on Friday dismissed Chinese objection to ameeting between the Dalai Lama and PresidentPranab Mukherjeerecently, saying he was a revered spiritual leader and it was a non-political event."India has a consistent position. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is a respected and revered spiritual leader. It was a non-political event organised by Nobel laureates dedicated to the welfare of children," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.View MoreGet more customers byadvertising with ColombiaAd:ColombiaHe was asked about China takingstrong exception to the Tibetan spiritual leader's meeting with President Mukherjee at theRashtrapathi Bhavanduring a children's summit and asserting that India must respect China's"core interests" to avoid "any disturbance" to the bilateral ties."China strongly opposes any contacts between the Dalai Lamaand officials of any countries. China has urged India to clearly recognize the Dalai Lama's anti-Chinese and separatist nature, to respect China's core interests and concerns, to take effective measures to eliminate the negative influences of the incident, and to avoid disturbing China-India ties," saidGeng Shuang, spokesperson of ChineseForeign Ministry."Recently in disregard of China's solemn representation and strong opposition, the Indian sideinsisted on arranging for the 14thDalai Lama's visit to the Indian Presidential palace, where he took part in an event and met President Mukherjee."The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh, an eventthat has already riledbeijing. TheUS ambassador to India, Richard Verma too, visited Arunachal Pradesh recently, inviting anotherstorm of protests. Even the Karmapa Lama, 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje hasbeen cleared to visit Arunachal Pradesh.Last week, India had said that it would try to help Mongolia tide over an economic crisis in deep winter, after China imposed border tariffs on their goods as punishment for Mongolia hostingthe Dalai Lama for the ninth time in their country.