India, abstains on UNSC resolution on Myanmar
India abstained on a UN Security Council resolution on Myanmar, calling for the restoration of democracy there and the release of political prisoners, foremost among them Aung San Suu Kyi. Russia and China too joined India in abstaining on the said resolution.
All powers have to get in their mind that India will not permit a Syria or Ukraine type of situation in Myanmar at any cost whatsoever. Now India too is fully capable of protecting its geopolitical interests.
The long-awaited resolution which came 22 months after the overthrow of the democratically-elected government in Myanmar, thus received the votes of 12 countries in the 15-member body on Wednesday and
Resolution was proposed by Britain, which originally was not at all in the interest of India. Thus after a prolonged discussions for a consensus, which it failed to get, the resolution had to be softened to avoid vetoes by Russia and China.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, appealed for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democracy, but said the resolution will not contribute to achieving those goals.
The resolution may “entrench the parties in their inflexible positions rather than encourage them to pursue an inclusive dialogue,” she said explaining India’s abstention.
The complex situation in Myanmar requires “quiet and patient diplomacy,” she added.
She pointed out that the stabiilty of Myanmar directly impacts the national security of India, which shares a 1,700-kilometre border with it.
The welfare of the people of Myanmar is of “utmost priority” and at “the core of our efforts” there, Kamboj said.
