India on Tuesday expressed condolences on the deaths and destruction caused by a devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

At least 126 people were killed and dozens wounded in the 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Tibet.

However, India’s message of condolences did not mention China.

“Government and people of India express condolences on the tragic loss of life and property caused by the devastating earthquake in the Tibet Autonomous Region,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said without mentioning China.

Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong or political head of Tibet’s Dharamshala-based government-in-exile also offered prayers to all those affected by the earthquake.

The Dalai Lama lives in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh.

After a failed anti-Chinese uprising in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet and came to India where he set up the government-in-exile.

China has in the past accused the Dalai Lama of indulging in “separatist” activities and trying to split Tibet and considers him as a “divisive” figure.

However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has insisted that he is not seeking independence but “genuine autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet” under the “Middle-way approach”.