Hope early return to path of democratic transition, Jaishankar tells Myanmar Dy PM

India has also sought “credible security protection for India-funded ongoing projects in Myanmar”. “Particularly flagged illegal narcotics, arms smuggling and trafficking in persons as priority challenges. Sought cooperation for early return of Indian nationals trapped in Myawaddy,” Jaishankar said, adding that India is open to engaging all stakeholders in addressing the situation.

India has also raised the issue of its citizens falling prey to an employment-related crime syndicate operating in the Myawaddy region, located on the India-Thailand border. An estimated 100 Indian citizens are feared to be trapped in Myawaddy, after falling victim to job scams. They were allegedly offered jobs in Thailand, but taken to Myawaddy instead.

Last month, the Indian Embassy had issued an advisory saying that an international crime syndicate was active in the Myawaddy region on the Myanmar-Thailand border and urging Indians to exercise caution before taking up job offers in the region.

Myanmar has been witnessing violent protests demanding restoration of democracy since the military seized power in February 2021. The resistance forces have captured many key trading points along the borders with India, China and Bangladesh.

The hostilities between the two sides have spiked since late last year, impacting the regions near the border with India, fuelling concerns in New Delhi over the possible ramifications for the security situation in Manipur and Mizoram.