India stands with Myanmar for peace, stability, and development: EAM Jaishankar

India has reiterated its support for a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process , emphasizing that such an approach is essential for lasting stability and development in the country, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the Sarsobeikman Literary Centre in Yangon, a project built with Indian assistance, Jaishankar highlighted the strategic and historical significance of Myanmar for India. He said the country sits at the intersection of India’s three key foreign policy priorities: Neighbourhood First , which seeks to deepen engagement with India’s immediate neighbours; Act East , which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific; and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which focuses on cooperation across the Indo-Pacific for regional security and economic growth.

Since the military coup in February 2021 , Myanmar has witnessed widespread protests and violence. While India has avoided direct criticism of the military, it continues to advocate for dialogue and an inclusive peace process. The stance reflects India’s dual concerns: maintaining security along the 1,640-kilometer India-Myanmar border , which borders insurgency-affected northeastern states, and ensuring continued regional engagement without destabilizing its Act East policy .

Jaishankar also noted India’s cooperation with ASEAN in fostering regional stability and supporting Myanmar’s development. He described India’s multifaceted engagement as people-centric and demand-driven , spanning trade, security, political, and cultural cooperation aimed at strengthening local economies and improving livelihoods.

The Sarsobeikman Centre will preserve Myanmar’s classical and folk literatures, support translation, archival work, creative writing, and scholarly exchanges. Highlighting centuries-old ties, Jaishankar said, “Buddhism and the Pali language carried ideas, texts, and a shared intellectual heritage across South Asia.”

India’s measured approach underlines its commitment to regional stability , balancing diplomatic engagement, border security, and long-term strategic interests while supporting a peaceful, inclusive, and locally led Myanmar .