Ministry of External Affairs on Friday clarified Central government’s stand on Dalai Lama saying he is a ‘revered religious leader’ and is respected by Indians.

“Government’s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by people of India. There is no change in that position. He is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India,” said MEA in a statement.

This comes after Government of India discouraged official participation from India in any event of the Tibetian Leadership. Considering the current times as essential for Indo-China diplomatic relations, Government of India had asked officials and senior leaders to skip attending events related to Spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The events are scheduled to happen late this month and early April. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale communicated with Cabinet Secretary R.K. Sinha about this through a letter on February 22.

Reportedly, the events are being organized to mark Dalai Lama’s 60 years in exile after he fled from Tibet in 1959 fearing his life from the Chinese government. It was the time of Tibet uprising.

Cabinet Secretary, in directives issued by him, said that attending any event of the Tibetian Leadership in exile is not ‘desirable’. He reiterated foreign secretary’s stand claiming the nature of the subject to be sensitive.