Myanmar’s ‘people should not suffer’

India has indicated that it disfavours economic sanctions against Myanmar in the wake of the military coup there, saying "people on the ground should not suffer."  

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla also said it is "working in the UN Security Council in a constructive manner to facilitate balanced outcomes that could assist in resolving the situation" in Myanmar.

"The recent developments in Myanmar are a matter of deep concern. We remain concerned that the gains made by Myanmar over the last decades on the path towards democracy, should not be undermined," he said while delivering a lecture on 'What Next for Neighbourhood First' at a private think-tank in New Delhi on Monday.

Shringla said India has "always been steadfast" in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar for it to emerge as a stable democratic federal union.

"Our developmental and humanitarian efforts in Myanmar have been aimed at the socio-economic development of the country. We need to continue with these efforts in the interest of the people of Myanmar. We feel that people on the ground should not suffer," he said in an apparent reference to calls by some countries for imposition of  sanctions against Myanmar.

The Foreign Secretary said India would continue to closely monitor the situation in Myanmar and remain engaged with like-minded countries to meet the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country.

Elaborating on the neighbourhood first policy, he said "India will be a force for good in the neighbourhood" because "the stability, growth and prosperity of those nearest to us will help India and is in India's interest."

"The neighbourhood has, therefore, received the greatest attention and emphasis in our diplomatic efforts and will continue to do so. It also receives the greatest priority in allocation of funds and resources and will also continue to do so," the Indian Foreign Secretary said.