Monday, July 18, 2011

India trying to woo Burma from China

Harsh V. Pant (special to The Japan Times)


LONDON — Even as a senior Burmese diplomat in Washington has defected, Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has suggested that some people, both at home and abroad, have deceived themselves into thinking a new government has brought change to her country.

Political dynamic is undergoing a slow transformation in Burma (aka Myanmar) and the neighboring states are being forced to respond accordingly.


Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna was in Rangoon (aka Yangon) last month to engage the new civilian government which came to office in March. His visit came a year after the visit of Myanmar's reclusive military leader, Gen. Than Shwe, to India.

[As a ruthless military dictator supported by relatives in China, Than Shwe] heads the State Peace and Development Council. India rolled out a red carpet for him and signed a raft of pacts including treaties on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, counter terrorism, development projects, science and technology and information cooperation. More

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