The Dalai Lama’s India visit puts ‘arrogant’ China on edge

The Dalai Lama’s visit to an Indian state that China claims as its own has seen the countries’ relationship take a turn for the worse, writes Shashi Tharoor.

Relations between India and China haven’t been particularly warm in recent months. But they have lately taken on an icy chill, with Chinese leaders furious over the Dalai Lama’s visit to the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its own.

On April 8, over loud protests from China’s government, the Dalai Lama addressed devotees from far and wide at the historic monastery in the border town of Tawang, where the sixth Dalai Lama was born more than three centuries ago.