Amritsar, Nov 27: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has said that he supports India-China friendship, but adds that these ties should be genuine.

The Dalai Lama, who is here to attend the third meeting of the Elijah Board of World Religious Leaders on the theme of: "Sharing Wisdom: The Case of Love and Forgiveness" said that good relations between India and China are not only good for Asia, but also good for world peace.

"India and China are the two most populous nations so genuine friendship on the basis of mutual trust is interest of whole Asia. Because of sheer population, the good relation on the basis of mutual trust is very important for world peace,” said the Dalai Lama.

His holiness also reiterated the Tibetans' demand for meaningful autonomy in Tibet.

"We are not seeking independence because of our interest. Everybody knows Tibet is backward materially and every Tibetan wants more development. Therefore Tibet remains with the people of China. As far as material development is concerned, we gain more benefit, provided we should have meaningful autonomy," he added.

In his latest diplomatic move, the Dalai Lama is to meet Pope Benedict at the Vatican in December.

Such a visit could derail the tentative thaw in relations between China and the Vatican, which has not had formal ties with Beijing since the Communist Government was swept to power in 1949.

Beijing's rhetoric against the Dalai Lama has been increasing, even though the Chinese Government has engaged in six rounds of talks with his envoys, most recently in July. (ANI)