India’s voted for first security resolution on the violence at Myanmar

Context

India, along with Russia and China, abstained from a U.N. Security Council resolution criticising Myanmar’s military regime, and instead called for ‘quiet, patient ‘and ‘constructive’ diplomacy.

About

About the vote at UNSC:

The vote, which marked the first Security Council resolution on the situation in Myanmar in decades, and in particular since the military overthrew the elected National Unity Government (NUG) in February 2021, demanded an end to violence in Myanmar and the release political prisoners.
The resolution was proposed by the United Kingdom, which was passed by 12 votes, made several references to the importance of the ASEAN process, referring to the “five-point consensus” passed by the 10-nation Association of South East Asian Nations.

India’s view on Myanmar military regime:

India’s representative at UNSC has mentioned that the complex situation in Myanmar calls for an approach of quiet and patient diplomacy.
Any other course will not help in resolving the long-standing issues which have prevented enduring peace, stability, progress and democratic governance.

Issues in Myanmar:

Myanmar, also known as Burma, has suffered decades of repressive military rule, poverty due to years of isolationist economic policies, and civil war with ethnic minority groups.

1948: Myanmar has been ruled by a military junta for many of the years since it gained independence from British colonial rule in 1948.
The Union of Burma began as a parliamentary democracy, like most of its newly independent neighbours on the Indian subcontinent.
2007: In 2007, the so-called Saffron Revolution, widespread anti-government protests that were sparked by fuel price hikes and named after the saffron-colored robes worn by participating Buddhist monks—and international pressure prompted shifts in Myanmar.
2008: The junta pushed forward a new constitution in 2008, which is still in place today that gave the military widespread powers even under civilian rule.
- The military junta unexpectedly officially dissolved in 2011 and established a civilian parliament for a transitional period, during which former army bureaucrat and Prime Minister Thein Sein was appointed president.
2015: Myanmar held its first nationwide, multiparty elections—considered to bethe freest and fairest elections in decades—since the country’s transition away from military rule.
- Suu Kyi became Myanmar’s de facto leader in 2015.
2021 February: Government overthrown in military coup.

Why India is concerned?

Due to the country’s profile:
- Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in South East Asia. It neighbours Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and India.
- The country gained independence from Britain in 1948.
- It was ruled by the armed forces from 1962 until 2011 when a new government began ushering in a return to civilian rule. The ruling military changed the country's name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989.
The country believes that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld.
India had shown a commitment to building robust relationships with Myanmar over the past two decades which intensified after the democratic process began in 2011

What has been the International reaction?

Numerous countries have condemned the military takeover.

US and UK: The United States and the United Kingdom have responded with sanctions on military officials.
China: China blocked a UN Security Council statement condemning the coup, but has backed calls for the release of Ms. Suu Kyi and a return to democratic norms. The country has previously opposed international intervention in Myanmar.
Southeast Asian countries have been pursuing diplomatic efforts to end the crisis.