Murshidabad, Apr 1 : India has urged Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, not to indulge in political activities that could hurt Sino-Indian relations.

"The Dalai Lama is a respected guest in India. India will continue to offer him all hospitality, but during his stay in India, he should not indulge in any political activity, that could adversely affect relations between India and China," External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

Mukherjee’s comments assume significance in the light of protests in Dharamsala and other places in India. The government is trying to build closer ties with China and repair decades of mistrust dating back to a 1962 border war.

Analysts said the message was aimed more at China than the Dalai Lama.

New Delhi has tried to reassure Bejing that security will be tight for the Olympics torch during the Indian leg of its relay.

The country's football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, a Buddhist by religion has refused to carry the Olympic torch in protest against China's actions in Tibet. (ANI)