India Invites Myanmar’s Anti-Junta Forces to Seminar in New Delhi
India has invited political and military opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta to a seminar in New Delhi, addressing growing border instability and concerns over ongoing civil unrest following the 2021 coup. This unprecedented move signals a significant step towards engaging Myanmar’s pro-democracy factions.
India has extended an unprecedented invitation to political and military opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta to participate in an upcoming seminar in New Delhi, as reported by Reuters. This significant move comes amidst ongoing tensions following the military coup that ousted an elected government in February 2021, resulting in a civil war that threatens to destabilize India’s extensive 1,650-kilometer border with Myanmar and impact key infrastructure projects. The seminar, which is scheduled for mid-November, is organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) and will focus on themes of ‘Constitutionalism and Federalism’. Among those invited are members of the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic minority rebel groups from the states of Chin, Rakhine, and Kachin. Notably, this marks a historic step as it would represent India’s formal engagement with non-state actors in Myanmar, a development welcomed by Sui Khar, vice chairman of the Chin National Front, who stated, “This will be the first time, I think, formally, that India will engage with the non-state actors. This is a good, positive approach.” While the invitation has been issued, the situation regarding Myanmar’s military government attending remains unclear. Tensions have escalated in Myanmar since the military assumed power, leading to widespread protests and an armed resistance movement that has challenged the junta’s authority. Despite condemnation and sanctions from Western nations targeted at the junta, India has historically maintained a working relationship with Myanmar’s military leaders, often avoiding vocal criticism to prevent pushing them towards closer ties with China. India has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing instability of its border regions, especially in light of its significant investments in Myanmar, including the Kaladan port and highway project, which, according to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, is crucial for linking its northeastern states to Thailand. This seminar represents a pivotal moment in New Delhi’s approach, as it aims to engage with Myanmar’s pro-democracy factions while balancing its strategic interests in the region, which include a collaboration with ASEAN nations trying to facilitate peace talks with the junta. In this context, experts, such as Angshuman Choudhury from Singapore, have remarked that the invitation could indicate India’s intent to signal the military to reconsider its current posture amidst ongoing regional efforts for dialogue.
The backdrop of this development is rooted in the coup that took place in Myanmar, which has plunged the country into a state of civil unrest and armed conflict. Since the takeover, a vast population has revolted against the junta, leading to a growing resistance movement unfold across Myanmar. India’s decision to extend an invitation to anti-junta forces ties into its overarching concerns regarding national security and stability, particularly given its extensive border with Myanmar and ongoing infrastructure projects. India’s historical relationship with Myanmar has been complex, balancing engagement with the ruling junta while managing regional security dynamics and the influence of external powers like China.
The invitation extended by India to Myanmar’s anti-junta forces for a seminar in New Delhi marks a significant shift in its engagement with the country, reflecting a response to regional instability and the need for diplomatic dialogue. This unprecedented move could potentially alter India’s relationship dynamics with both the junta and the pro-democracy factions in Myanmar. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor how this engagement may influence India’s strategic interests and its regional collaborations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
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