“India Moves Consular Staff from Sittwe to Yangon"

Jonathan, Narinjara News, 21 December 2024

India has moved its consular personnel from Sittwe to Yangon after the Arakan Army (AA) took control of the Western Command and is keeping a close watch on the escalating conflict in Myanmar, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal mentioned that India, which borders Myanmar, is deeply concerned about the situation. He mentioned that although India has moved its consular staff from Sittwe to Yangon, it will maintain its developmental projects in the area, as stated by Devdiscourse.

Since the Myanmar military took power in 2021, clashes between the military and opposition groups have escalated, with violence spreading into regions of Myanmar adjacent to India.

As reported by Devdiscourse, the AA seized control of the Western Command in Ann Town, Arakan State, following weeks of intense clashes between the Myanmar military and opposition forces.

"India is carefully observing the situation," Jaiswal remarked during a weekly briefing on December 20.

He additionally clarified that India's strategic position on Myanmar entails moving consular personnel from Sittwe to Yangon.

After the MNDAA took control of the Northeast Command in August, the AA's capture of the Western Command marks the second regional military command that the Myanmar military regime has lost.

Following the coup in Myanmar in 2021, significant border instability has arisen, leading Home Minister Amit Shah to declare security measures, which include efforts to strengthen the border.

Nevertheless, he failed to mention a date or additional information regarding the border security enhancement strategies.

"Our position on Myanmar continues to be consistent. We have urged for the cessation of all violence, the promotion of peace and stability, and the resolution of the ethnic matter by creating a true federal democracy. All stakeholders' perspectives must be taken into account during the peace process. Jaiswal added that there are also worries in nations bordering Myanmar, such as India.

In the midst of the current conflict, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to Bangkok for unofficial discussions with Myanmar's neighboring countries about the situation, according to The Indian Express.  

Photo: Sittwe Port built by the Indian government