Footage captured the unsettling interaction between the boy and spiritual leader

The uncomfortable video has sparked widespread outrage across social media

Tibetan Buddhist leader's office issued an apology today in response to criticism

The Dalai Lama has apologised after an unsettling video appeared on social media in which he kissed a young Indian boy on the lips before asking him to 'suck' his tongue.

Footage of the uncomfortable incident showed the moment the Tibetan spiritual leader invited the boy on stage during a charity event at his temple in Dharamshala, India in February. 

In the video, the boy asks the Dalai Lama 'can I hug you?', to which Tenzin Gyatso responds: 'Okay - come!'