Krishna dismissed China's objections to the Dalai Lama's proposed visit to Arunachal Pradesh later this year, saying the Tibetan leader was 'free to go anywhere in India'.

'Arunachal Pradesh is a part of India and the Dalai Lama is free to go anywhere in India,' said Krishna. 'The only question is he is not expected to comment on political developments.'

The Dalai Lama has sought the Indian government's permission to visit Tawang, a monastery town in Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by China.

The Tibetan leader plans to go there in November to inaugurate a hospital for which he had donated Rs.20 lakh ($40,000).

The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. His Tibetan government-in-exile is based in the Indian hill town of Dharamsala but it is not recognised by any country.