Dharamsala, November 22 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said he did not want to be the cause for tensions between his host India and China. “I did not want things to escalate between India and China,” His Holiness told a private news channel (NDTV) in an interview to be broadcast Monday.

The Tibetan leader said that he felt India stood firm in its position against China.

China opposed the Tibetan leader's visit early this month to the northeastern Indian state of Arunchal Pradesh which it claims at its territory, and asked India not to allow the Buddhist leader to visit the state. Rejecting Beijing's objections, Indian leaders had said, “Dalai Lama is free to visit anywhere in India”.

His Holiness said in the interview that he had been worried about his visit to Tawang in light of the Chinese rhetoric. “I was very anxious before going to Tawang,” he said.

His Holiness also defended US President Barack Obama who was criticised for not putting much pressure on China over the Tibet issue during his maiden trip to China from 15 to 18 November as US President. “Obama is not soft on China; just has a different style,” said His Holiness adding that he was “not disappointed” with Obama not meeting him.

His Holiness said he believed that Obama would discuss Tibet issue with the visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Washington.