What India’s External Affairs Minister Says About Myanmar’s Peace Process
India's Commitment to Myanmar's Peace Process
New Delhi: On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's support for a peace initiative that is both led and owned by Myanmar, aimed at achieving sustainable peace and development in the nation.
Jaishankar emphasized the significance of India's relationship with Myanmar, noting that it is central to New Delhi's three primary foreign policy strategies: 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East', and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Myanmar, which shares a 1,640-kilometer border with several northeastern Indian states, including Nagaland and Manipur, is considered a strategic neighbor.
The country has been engulfed in violent protests since the military coup on February 1, 2021, which led to the military-backed party winning the recent general elections.
Speaking virtually at the opening of the Sarsobeikman Literary Centre in Yangon, a project supported by India, Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to sharing its experiences in federalism and constitutional governance with Myanmar.
He reiterated India's backing for a peace process that is inclusive and driven by Myanmar itself, which he believes is essential for achieving lasting peace and development.
The Sarsobeikman Centre is intended to promote the conservation and study of Myanmar's classical and folk literature, as well as facilitate translation, archival work, creative writing, and academic exchanges.
Jaishankar pointed out that Myanmar is pivotal to India's foreign policy priorities, including the Indo-Pacific region.
India's multifaceted engagement with Myanmar encompasses political, trade, security, and cultural cooperation. The minister noted that India's development efforts in Myanmar are focused on being people-centric and responsive to local needs, aimed at enhancing local economies and improving living standards.
He concluded by stating that India and Myanmar share deep-rooted connections through spirituality, kinship, geography, language, and literature, with Buddhism and Pali literature fostering a shared intellectual heritage across South Asia.