The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Thursday hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping as “more open-minded” and “realistic” than his predecessor Hu Jintao.
Even as he suggested that Mr. Xi, who is on a three-day visit to India, take lessons from the host’s democratic credentials, the Dalai Lama felt Mr. Xi was more equipped to learn from India than Mr. Hu during his time.
When Mr. Hu visited India, the Dalai Lama said he had told him that he could “learn some experiences” from India.
“My hope is the same. But Xi Jinping is a more open-minded person. His approach is more realistic. So he can learn more things from India,” the Dalai Lama told journalists here, when asked to comment on Mr. Xi’s visit.
The Dalai Lama stated that the difference between India and China, the two most populous nations, was that India was a “harmonious” and “stable democracy” in spite of its cultural and linguistic diversities. He hoped that Mr. Xi would take his cue from this.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner was in the city to deliver an address at the 108th Foundation Day of Indian Merchants’ Chamber and its ladies’ wing.