Maintaining that resolution of the Tibetan issue was vital for betterment of Indo-China ties, the Dalai Lama [Images] on Saturday favoured "genuine friendship" between the two Asian giants, rekindling the Hindi-Chini bhai bhai spirit.

Addressing a function from which all Union Ministers kept away, the Tibetan spiritual leader attacked the Chinese government for continuing the policy of "suppression" in Tibet and warned that use of "gun" and "force" would only spew "more resentment and anger".

"Resolution of issue of Tibet is relevant for India-China relationship. I really wish to see a genuine friendship between India and China," he said after being felicitated by some NGOs and religious leaders.

"I want to see the rekindling of the spirit of Hindi-Chini bhai bhai," said the Dalai Lama who just returned from a visit to the US.

Making it clear that he did not aspire to hold any "political position" if a local Tibetan government is formed, he quipped that he was already in the "semi-retirement" phase and would contribute to the Tibetan cause as a "senior adviser".

Union Ministers kept away from the function following an advisory by the Cabinet Secretariat, apparently not to ruffle feathers in China which had voiced strong objection to the US honouring the Tibetan leader recently.

Lashing out at China for following the "policy of suppression" in Tibet, the Dalai Lama said "genuine harmony should come from the heart and not from the gun".