Despite mounting pressure from the West to get more proactive on the question of democracy in Myanmar, India on Monday made it clear to UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari that while it supports the cause for democracy, New Delhi could not be part of any coercive measures for the purpose. It is learnt that India put on table its views that excessive sanctions against the military regime in Myanmar would only hurt the people as the burden will be simply passed on. It may be recalled that Washington recently announced fresh sanctions against Myanmar.Gambari, who is here on a brief visit, is attempting to bring about an understanding among key countries in Myanmar’s neighbourhood over a dialogue with the current regime on the question of rights to people and Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. Gambari has already held discussions with officials of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon told Gambari on Monday that India had to keep in mind its interests in Myanmar while seeking reconciliation and democracy in the military-ruled country. The two discussed ways in which Myanmar can see what the people of that country want, sources said.Gambari, who arrived here on Sunday night, is also expected to meet External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. His visit here came amid growing international pressure on India to act to help usher in democracy in Myanmar.Two days back, US President George W Bush urged India and China to do more to put pressure on Myanmar’s military rulers in an effort to end repression of democracy supporters there.“I ask other counties to review their own laws and policies, especially Burma’s closest neighbours, China, India, and others in the region,” Bush had said.Gambari is scheduled to go to Myanmar next month for another round of discussions with the military leadership and the opposition seeking a democratic set-up. He met the junta’s leaders in Myanmar in September after troops opened fire on peaceful protests in Yangon.
