The Dalai Lama plans to visit a northeast Indian state that China claims as its territory in November, a trip that could again anger Beijing following its denunciations of his visit to Taiwan this month.
"He plans to be in Arunachal Pradesh in the second week of November," said Chhime Chhoekyapa, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's aide "He is going there for teaching. This has nothing to do with politics, there is nothing political about it."
The visit is almost certain to draw protests from China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory, and could become yet another irritant in Beijing-New Delhi relations, dogged by a border dispute.
The travel plan was announced a week after the completion of his visit to Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing, which denounced the trip.
A visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which has a substantial Buddhist population, could now draw further attention to China's treatment of Tibetan activists and the Dalai Lama's calls for cultural and religious freedoms and autonomy.
China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist who is seeking remove Tibet from Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising, denies the charge and says he seeks greater rights for Tibetans.
The trip has ramifications for India-China relations as well. India and China fought a short war in 1962 and, despite burgeoning trade in recent years, mistrust remains. Both sides jostle for resources and influence as they seek a global role.
This year, the two countries have faced off at multi-lateral meetings, including Chinese objections to a $60 million Asian Development Bank loan for a project in Arunachal Pradesh.
Indian media have repeatedly reported "incursions" by Chinese soldiers patrolling the 3,500-km border, disputed at various stretches.
In response, India has begun modernising its border roads and moved a squadron of strike aircraft close to the China border. Arunachal Governor J.J. Singh said in June up to 30,000 new troops would be deployed in the area.