India Stops Arms Sales to Junta

Source: Hindustani Times

India has put all sale and transfer of arms to Myanmar on hold. The decision follows the suppression of pro-democracy protests in that country, South Block officials told HT.

India believes contact with the junta is in its strategic interest, but also wants to send out a message that it’s not quite business as usual any longer.

India gave Myanmar three British-made Islander aircraft last year. In Myanmar’s capital Naypyitaw in January, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India was willing to expand military ties. “We have decided to give a favourable response (to the request for military equipment),” he said. That deal — for some Dorniers — is now frozen.

On Wednesday, PM Manmohan Singh told Myanmarese counterpart Thein Sein in Singapore the reform process must not exclude pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.