India okay with Myanmar-Naga talks
New Delhi has no objections with Myanmar holding separate negotiations with Naga insurgents, said official sources.
New Delhi has no objections with Myanmar holding separate negotiations with Naga insurgents, said official sources.
India has cooperated for many years, including coordinating joint military exercises, against Naga separatists. India would have been “happy” if there had been simultaneous pacts, but understands the Myanmar military plans a three-stage peace process of its own.
India has negotiated a ceasefire that should come into effect May 9. "We believe we have made progress," said sources and indicated that further good news on this front would be expected next month.
India's view is that the more Myanmar is able to bring its insurgents into the political fold, the better it is for India.
Myanmar’s military cooperation against the Naga insurgents has played a crucial role in bringing the insurgents to the negotiations table and has been a key reason behind New Delhi’s decision to oppose sanctions against the Yangon military regime.
‘Keen on firmer ties’
Restoring physical and civil society linkages with Myanmar was stressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his departure statement before leaving for Myanmar.
"Stronger trade and investment links, development of border areas, improving connectivity ... and building capacity and human resources are areas that I hope to focus on during my visit'" he said.