The Dalai Lama stated that US President Barack Obama is not lenient towards China and expressed his hope for a discussion on Tibet with the Indian prime minister in Washington. The Dalai Lama mentioned in an interview with NDTV news channel that Obama's approach towards China may be different but not soft. Obama had urged for a dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and China to resolve the Tibet issue during his recent visit to Beijing. The Tibetan government-in-exile showed willingness to engage in talks with China following Obama's remarks. Despite eight rounds of discussions between Chinese officials and the Dalai Lama's envoys, there has been little progress in resolving the issue. The Dalai Lama, who left Tibet for India in 1959 following an unsuccessful rebellion against China's control, expressed that he was not upset about missing the opportunity to meet with Obama during his trip to the U.S. in October. Referred to as a "splittist" by Beijing, the Dalai Lama claims he is only striving for self-governance for Tibet, which experienced unrest and demonstrations against the Chinese occupation last year. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit the U.S. this week to address regional concerns, climate change, and a nuclear agreement.