India faces growing criticism over its decision to roll out the red carpet for Min Aung Hlaing, reports the Independent. Rights groups say it risks legitimising a former general allegedly responsible for genocide.
Mark Farmaner, the director of Burma Campaign UK, told the Independent that Mr Modi’s current policy is driven by a desire to counter China’s influence, but that New Delhi would be better served in the long run by supporting a democratic Myanmar which might be less dependent on Beijing.
“Modi will be calculating that being the first to invite general Min Aung Hlaing since he appointed himself president will buy more goodwill and influence for India,” he said. “India’s current approach to Myanmar has doomed them to play second fiddle to China, as India can’t compete economically or politically with China and its UN Security Council seat and global clout.”