Making it clear that it has its own economic and security interests in Myanmar where the military junta has cracked down on pro-democracy protestors, India on Tuesday voiced its opposition to sanctions against that country and favoured dialogue with the authorities there.
Amid threats of sanctions against Myanmar, New Delhi said the coercive measures will have no effect on the military regime there as it will pass the impact to common people.
Worried that any repressive measures in Myanmar will lead to instability that will have an impact on this country, India hopes dialogue will soon begin between the junta and imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Underlining that the army has played a role in Myanmar's affairs for over two decades and will continue to do so, New Delhi says it has developed a 'useful' relationship with the military regime without giving up on its interests.
India's security interests in Myanmar relate to seeking that country's assistance in the drive against North East insurgents who take shelter in that country.
Energy interest relates to gas blocks that India has got in Myanmar and is hoping to get more.
Besides, India has interest in building a multi-modal transport project in Kaladan river in Myanmar. Road and maritime aspects of the project are progressing well, the sources said adding, however, that development of ports is delaying it.
In its desire to see peaceful and stable Myanmar, India is interested in working with China and other countries of the region.
"The basic interest of India in Myanmar is that it is a sensitive part of our periphery," a government official said, while noting that North East insurgents take shelter in that country.
Myanmar also has a large Indian population who say they have done well under the present military regime, the official said.
India apprehends that repressive measures in Myanmar could lead to refugee problem for it as witnessed in 1988, although nothing of that sort has happened so far.
New Delhi notes that the present military regime in the neighbouring country has reached agreements with 17 ethnic groups.
India is also at unease with international community's expectations from it and wonders why similar yardsticks are not applied with respect to other countries in the region having similar arrangements.
The sources said India has been both privately and publicly seeking release of Suu Kyi and pressing the Junta to hold talks with her to make her inclusive in all processes.
India has also asked the military regime to hold an inquiry into the recent bloodshed.
"We are ready to work with like-minded countries on Myanmar," an official said and pointed out that India has been extending support to Special UN Envoy Ibrahim Gambari.
