The Dalai Lama on Thursday praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for being "more open-minded" and "realistic" than previous Chinese leaders.

Tibet's spiritual leader gave the nod to President Xi for his policies, confessing that he has faith in the president's new leadership.

Like Us on Facebook

Democracy is strongly practiced in India, he said, implying that free media and democratic rule of law pose no danger to India's stability. Xi could learn much from India, the Tibetan leader added.

The 79-year-old Buddhist monk's remarks coincided with President XI's first official state visit in India where he is expected to strengthen China's bilateral relations with the rival giant by investing billions of dollars in upgrading Indian infrastructures.

India's support of the exiled spiritual leader, who fled from China in 1959 after the crackdown in the Himalayan region, has been a source of friction between the neighboring countries. Tension has been reportedly mounting since as China and India continue to be embroiled in bitter border disputes.

The Indian army confirmed on Thursday of an on-going standoff with Chinese troops over a road construction along the China-Indian border in the Ladakh region, souring the good will begun by President Xi's visit. 

But Xi, on his third day of visit, emphasized that China believes that its neighbors contribute to its well-being, adding that China is not a war-like state, reported Reuters.

Speaking at a gathering in Mumbai on Thursday, the Dalai Lama called for both countries to settle border disputes through "understanding and talk" and not by use of force.

India hosts Tibet's government-in-exile, which has been urging the Chinese government for greater autonomy.  The Chinese regards its head, the Dalai Lama, as a separatist who stirs conflict.

As President Xi and Prime Minister Modi held formal talks in New Delhi, groups of Tibetan and anti-Chinese protesters staged rallies across India's capital. About 20 Tibetan demonstrators shouting anti-Chinese slogans rallied outside the Hyderabad House where the leaders held talks.  

TagsDalai Lama, Prime Minister Narendra Modi