New Delhi, Jun 7 (ANI): Russian Ambassador to India Alexander Kadakin has said that Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama is expected to visit Russia as a spiritual leader and not as a politician.

Ambassador Kadakin said Russia has a good number of citizens following the faith of Buddhism and the people want to see their religious leader.

"No politics is involved and if he comes to Russia only as leader of Buddhists, because we also have Buddhist republic in Russia.

"There are Buddhists in Altai region, in the Altai Mountains. We have great followers of Buddhists in Russia and they also want to see their spiritual leader," said Kadakin.

"We understand this, but this should be strictly religious. He should come as head of Buddhism, not as a politician," he added.

Kadakin further said Russia considers Dalai Lama as a religious leader, but there are people around him, who are engaged in political activity.

"We consider him to be a religious leader. But around him, there are people, who are engaged in political activities, unfortunately. He is a very respected political leader and if he improves his relation with his home country, then it would be nice," he said. (ANI)