New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Myanmar's leadership to work towards restoring democracy and ensuring an inclusive peace process involving all stakeholders, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Monday following bilateral talks between India and Myanmar.

Addressing media queries after the meeting, Misri said the Prime Minister discussed Myanmar's political situation with President U Min Aung Hlaing and stressed the importance of achieving lasting peace through dialogue and national reconciliation.

Responding to questions about whether the issue of detained former State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was raised during the talks, Misri said the discussion took place in the broader context of Myanmar's ongoing efforts to advance its peace process and bring together various ethnic and political groups on a common platform.

He noted that while attempts to forge consensus among different stakeholders have been underway for a considerable period, a comprehensive settlement has yet to be achieved. In this context, Prime Minister Modi underscored the need for Myanmar to move towards democratic governance, promote national unity, and ensure that all parties involved in the country's political and peace processes are included in dialogue.

According to Misri, India believes that meaningful engagement remains the most effective approach in dealing with developments in Myanmar. He emphasised that New Delhi's interactions with its neighbour are not intended to interfere in its domestic political arrangements but are guided by the realities of geography and the importance of maintaining communication with a neighbouring country.

The Foreign Secretary said India has consistently maintained that disengagement is not a viable solution. Drawing on historical experience, he argued that isolating a country rarely contributes to democratic progress and often produces fewer positive outcomes than sustained engagement.

Misri further observed that a lack of engagement can create opportunities for external actors who may not share India's commitment to democratic values and inclusive political processes. He said India has therefore continued its dialogue with Myanmar while regularly conveying its views on issues such as democracy, national reconciliation, peace-building, and the participation of all stakeholders in the country's future.

Myanmar has been under military-led rule since the February 2021 coup, which was led by then military chief Min Aung Hlaing and resulted in the removal of the elected government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi.

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President Min Aung Hlaing is currently on a four-day visit to India from May 30 to June 2, marking his first official trip to the country in his present capacity as Myanmar's President.