India Unprecedently Invites Myanmar’s Anti-Junta Forces to Seminar

In a significant diplomatic shift, India has invited political and military opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta to a seminar in New Delhi, scheduled for mid-November, Reuters reported yesterday.

The event, organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs, will include representatives from the National Unity Government (NUG) and various ethnic rebel groups, such as the Chin National Front, Arakan Army, and Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

This invitation comes amid ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar following the military coup in February 2021, which has led to widespread rebellion against the junta. India is concerned about the instability along its 1,650-km border with Myanmar and its key infrastructure projects in the region.

The seminar will focus on “Constitutionalism and Federalism,” marking India’s first formal engagement with non-state actors in Myanmar. While India’s approach contrasts with Western condemnation of the junta, the motives behind this invitation remain unclear as the junta continues to refuse dialogue with rebel forces.