The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, held crucial discussions in New Delhi yesterday. The talks primarily focused on the rapidly evolving situation in Myanmar, where ongoing violence and political instability continue to threaten regional security. Bishop is currently on an official visit to India as part of her diplomatic outreach to address the deepening crisis in Myanmar.
Appointed in April 2023 by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Bishop has been actively engaging with global stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to Myanmar’s political turmoil. Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in widespread protests, armed resistance, and severe crackdowns on pro-democracy groups. The conflict has intensified over the past year, with resistance forces making significant territorial gains, especially along the country’s borders with India, China, and Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Jaishankar and Bishop exchanged views on the humanitarian and security challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. India has a direct stake in Myanmar’s stability, given its strategic location and shared 1,640-kilometer-long border with northeastern states such as Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. These border regions have witnessed an influx of refugees fleeing the violence, further complicating security and humanitarian concerns for India.
The discussions also covered India’s efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Myanmar, supporting diplomatic solutions, and balancing its strategic interests with global calls for democratic restoration. India has historically maintained a delicate approach towards Myanmar, engaging with both the military regime and opposition forces while emphasizing the need for stability and peace.
Recent developments indicate that resistance groups have captured several key trading posts and military positions, disrupting cross-border trade and security cooperation. This has raised concerns about regional instability, as Myanmar’s internal conflict spills over into neighboring countries. India, as a regional power, has been closely monitoring the situation and remains engaged with multiple stakeholders, including ASEAN and the United Nations.
Bishop is expected to continue her dialogue with Indian officials and other regional partners to explore ways to facilitate peace talks and address the humanitarian crisis. The UN and the international community have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the restoration of democratic governance in Myanmar.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution while ensuring that India’s security and economic interests in the region remain protected.
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