India important nation, can keep nuke weapon: Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Tuesday said although he did not support nuclear weapons but certain nations could keep them for the safety for all.

Dalai Lama was in Ghaziabad as the chief guest in a school function.

When asked about the civil nuclear cooperation between India and the United States, which has been revived by U.S. President Barack Obama during his recent visit to the country, the Dalai Lama said that he considered India as a huge and populous nation and hence it had a right to keep nuclear weaponry.

"I am totally against nuclear weapons. However, on this planet [if] some bigger nations have certain rights to keep nuclear weapons, then India [is] also one important nation," he said.

Meanwhile, Dalai Lama added that India was a great country because of its cultural diversity and the young generation was the future and hope of the nation.

During his speech, Dalai Lama urged the students to spread the message of peace and prosperity through their actions.

In a glow of bonhomie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Obama had earlier this week unveiled plans to unlock billions of dollars in nuclear trade and to deepen defence ties to establish an enduring strategic partnership.