News Highlight:
India abstains from the UNSC vote on Myanmar’s resolution criticising Myanmar’s military regime and instead calls for “quiet, patient” and “constructive” diplomacy with the junta.
Military coup in Myanmar:
- Background:
- In early 2021, the country’s Parliament had been expected to endorse recent election results and approve the next government.
- The military refused to accept the results of the vote, which was widely seen as a referendum on the popularity of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi.
- As head of the National League for Democracy, she had been the de facto civilian leader since her election in 2015.
- The military says the November 2020 general election was full of “irregularities” and has maintained that the results are invalid.
International reaction:
- The United Nations has warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, with “an intensification of violence and a rapid rise in poverty”.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused the security forces of a “reign of terror”.
- The US, UK and European Union have imposed sanctions on military officials.
- China blocked a UN Security Council statement condemning the coup but has backed calls for a return to democratic norms.
Indian Approach:
- India’s Stand:
- India has shown commitment to building a robust relationship with Myanmar over the past two decades, which intensified after the democratic process began in 2011.
- India has taken an arguably balanced diplomatic approach to Myanmar, calling for restraint, restoration of democracy and release of political prisoners, and maintaining its communication lines with the military.
- Impact on India:
- India’s Northeastern border with Myanmar remains on the bilateral agenda.
- It has hampered India’s initiatives regarding land outreach towards the vibrant economies of South East Asia and has retarded development in the Northeast.
- It has forced thousands to flee to India.
- It has led to a series of unfortunate incidents that indicate a resurgence in anti-India posturing in the North Eastern region.
- This impedes the Centre’s overtures for future peace initiatives.
- It is seen as an adverse impact on its Act East policy.
- India’s demands:
- Myanmar’s return to democracy at the earliest.
- Release of detainees and prisoners.
- Resolution of issues through dialogue.
- Complete cessation of all violence.
ASEAN initiative on Myanmar and the ‘Five-Point Consensus’
- India is supporting the ASEAN initiative on Myanmar and the ‘Five-Point Consensus’: Which Includes
- Immediate cessation of violence.
- Dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar for a peaceful solution.
- The appointment of a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate mediation.
- Aid to Myanmar.
- A visit to the country by the envoy.
Pic Courtesy: The Hindu
Content Source: The Hindu