Dalai Lama says Doklam standoff not very serious

Describing the ongoing Doklam standoff as "not very serious", the Dalai Lama on Wednesday invoked "Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai", a catch phrase that defined Sino- India ties in the 1950s, stressing that the two neighbours have to live side by side in peace.

Asserting that any problem has to be resolved through talks, the 81-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader said the theme of 21st century should be dialogue.

"That's the only away. One side's retreat and defeat is an old-time thinking. In modern times, every country is dependent on each other," he said, speaking at the Rajendra Mathur Memorial Lecture organised by the Editors Guild of India here.

The spiritual leader, who calls himself a "chela" (disciple) of India, also needled China saying he can do more in India, which has freedom. "Where there is no freedom, I don't like".

"There is some tension, but I do not think it is very serious. We need to make distinction between people and governments. The other day, I mentioned that Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai is the only way. India and China have to live side by side," the Dalai Lama said.