India Dismisses Speculation That Dalai Lama's Visit To Arunachal Pradesh Will Affect Bilateral Ties With China

November 4, 2009 8:33 a.m. EST

New Delhi, India (AHN) - Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh in North-East India will not affect Indo-China bilateral relations in a major way, experts say.

Indo-China relationship expert Jagannath Panda feels that the development is just a temporary setback in the Indo-China bilateral ties. "India should encourage the Dalai's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. China wants to make Arunachal a disputed territory. It is high time India also started pushing its own action plan. There is no need to give too much importance to the Chinese objection."

China claims sovereignty over portions of Arunachal Pradesh.

India had denied on Wednesday any strain on bilateral relationship with China due to Dalai Lama's visit to the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh on Nov. 8. Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters in New Delhi that the Dalai Lama was free to travel anywhere in the country.

Earlier speaking at a seminar on South Asia, organized by the Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses, Rao had said that despite certain setbacks, Indo-China relations were poised for a greater high.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last week and assured him that the Indian government will not allow the Dalai Lama to indulge in any political activities.

China on Tuesday had accused the Dalai Lama of trying to destroy Indo-China bilateral relations. The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since 1959.