The Tibet Autonomous Region on Monday signalled its interest to extend the Qinghai-Tibet rail link to India and Nepal, official sources said.

"We are willing to promote the railway link between the region with South Asian countries, including Nepal and India," Lhosang Gyaltsen, Vice Chairman, TAR, told a delegation of visiting Indian correspondents.

The 1,963 km railway link from Xining, the capital of Qinghai province, to Tibet's capital Lhasa, said to be the world's most elevated and longest plateau railway, is expected to be completed in July next year, Lhosang said.

On opening the Nathula pass for tourism, Lhosang said, "We have a great potential in terms of tourism. On behalf of our government, I would like to welcome my Indian friends to Tibet."

He added that they would continue to open up to the outside world. "We will create convenience and necessary facilities for Indian tourists to visit Tibet," Lhosang said.