New Delhi (NVI): Newly elected US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed recent developments in Myanmar during a telephone conversation earlier this week and both the sides agreed to remain engaged on the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs said today.
“Recent developments in Myanmar were discussed during the telephone conversations between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi on 8 February and EAM and his US counterpart Secretary Blinken on 9 February,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said today.
India and the US have agreed to remain in contact and exchange assessments on the situation, he added.
“As regards our position on the developments, it has been clearly stated in our press statement of 1 February. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld,” Srivastava said.
“As immediate neighbours with close cultural and people-to-people ties as well as relations strengthened by exchanges in trade, economy, security and defence, we are closely monitoring developments in that country. We will remain engaged with all concerned on this issue,” the MEA spokesman said.
On February 4, MEA had said that India remains committed to continue its humanitarian support for the people in Myanmar in mitigating the health and economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic despite a military coup, while noting that it is closely monitoring the developments in the country.
Meanwhile, the UN has voted for a resolution harshly criticising Myanmar’s military coup, demanding the restoration of civilian rule and the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Pertinent to mention here that Myanmar military is now governing the country and has seized power from National League for Democracy which is led by Aung San Suu Kyi. She is reportedly under house arrest.
According to reports in foreign media, Myanmar military has justified its seizure of power earlier this week. It has alleged widespread fraud in elections held three months ago that Suu Kyi’s NLD won in a landslide. The opposition, which enjoys the backing of military, has also cried foul and claimed that there was widespread fraud in elections.
Many NLD leaders and party workers are reportedly detained. The Myanmar military has imposed a state of emergency for a year, and claimed it would then hold fresh elections.
-ARK
