Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his birthday, wishing him a long and healthy life, disregarding any potential disapproval from China. Last year, PM Modi did not wish the Dalai Lama in public after the faceoff with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley.
China does not accept the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile in India and frowns on any engagement with him.
"Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life," tweeted the Prime Minister.
Taking note of the Prime Minister's tweet, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi urged the Prime Minister to send a message to China by meeting the Dalai Lama.
"Very good, sir! But it would have sent a strong message to China had you met HH Dalai Lama in person," tweeted Mr Owaisi in response to the Prime Minister's tweet.
The Prime Minister had sent a private birthday greeting to the Dalai Lama in 2019.
In 2018, India and China had agreed not to air differences between the two governments in public.
Russian President Putin To Visit India Next Year, Dates Yet To Announced Chinese Student Commutes Weekly Between China and Australia For Love, Internet Shocked At PM Modi's Meet With UK PM, Push To Extradite Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi Late Flight, Emergency Landing, Stuck For 3 Days: Indian Fliers' Nightmare Putin Responds To Biden's Missile Approval By Changing Nuclear Doctrine Explained: Why Delhi's AQI Was 494 Today But International Monitor Said 1,600 Main Shooter In Baba Siddique Murder Case To Remain In Custody Till Sunday 5 Tips To Safely Pop Your Ears After A Flight Tamil Nadu To Use AI Alerts To Protect Elephants From Being Hit By Trains Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.