Myanmar unlikely to be part of ASEAN-India meeting

• India has been under pressure to avoid Myanmar’s inclusion.
• The Foreign Minister of Myanmar is unlikely to be part of the 24th ASEAN-India Ministerial.

Issue with Myanmar’s representation

• The factor behind Myanmar’s absence is the souring ASEAN-Myanmar ties that were affected beginning with the February 1, 2021 coup that overthrew the Aung San Suu Kyi government in Myanmar.
• The non-participation of Wunna Maung Lwin is being interpreted as India accommodating international concern over the junta in Myanmar
• Majorly because the military Junta has refused to enter into a negotiation with the protesters demanding restoration of democracy.
• However, Myanmar Senior General and de facto ruler Min Aung Hlaing sent a message for the 25th anniversary of BIMSTEC - Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation - on June 6 in which he wished “peace and prosperity” for the Bay of Bengal community.

Prelims Takeaway

• BIMSTEC
• ASEAN