Dalai Lama admitted to hospital

The Dalai Lama arrives at hospital and will undergo tests on Friday

The Dalai Lama has been taken to hospital in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) complaining of stomach pains.

The 73-year-old exiled Tibetan spiritual leader had cancelled all his international trips on Wednesday saying he was suffering from exhaustion.

A spokesman said the ailment had not yet been diagnosed but it appeared there was no cause for concern.

The Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala, northern India, since fleeing Tibet after an abortive uprising in 1959.

Trips cancelled

His spokesman, Tenzin Taklha, told the AFP news agency: "There is nothing major to feel concerned about. But he has been admitted to the Lilivati Hospital in Mumbai because he was feeling some discomfort in his abdomen.

"The Dalai Lama will be examined by doctors tomorrow (Friday)."

A spokesman for the hospital said the Dalai Lama had had his six-monthly check-up about a month ago and was "in perfect health".

Mr Taklha said the Dalai Lama would stay in Mumbai for a few days before returning to Dharamsala.

The Dalai Lama earlier cancelled two forthcoming trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

He has just returned from an 11-day trip to France, one of a number of foreign trips he has made this year to highlight the Tibetan issue.

China has stepped up its verbal attacks on the Nobel peace prize winner since violence broke out against Chinese rule in Tibet in March.

Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of stirring up unrest, a charge he denies.