Exclusive: India Extends Unprecedented Invite to Myanmar’s Anti-Junta Forces, Sources Say

By Wa Lone and Devjyot Ghoshal

India has extended invitations to political and military opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta for a seminar in New Delhi, marking a notable shift for the South Asian nation that has maintained relationships with the generals largely isolated by Western countries.

The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which erupted after the military coup that overthrew an elected government in February 2021, poses a threat to India’s 1,650-km border with Myanmar and various infrastructure projects in the region.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that representatives from the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic minority groups from Chin, Rakhine, and Kachin states—areas bordering India—have been invited to the mid-November seminar. This event will be organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs, which includes India’s Foreign Minister in its council.

Details about whether Myanmar’s military government will also be invited remain unclear. The seminar will focus on "Constitutionalism and Federalism," but specific objectives have not been disclosed.

Following the 2021 coup, widespread protests in Myanmar evolved into a full-scale rebellion, during which armed resistance groups, including established ethnic armies, have gained control of significant territories from the military. The junta has labeled these groups as "terrorists" and dismissed any prospects for dialogue.

Commenting on the seminar, Sui Khar, vice chairman of the Chin National Front, expressed optimism, noting that this event represents a formal engagement by India with non-state actors, indicating a positive development.

There was no immediate response from Myanmar’s military spokesperson, and requests for comments from the Indian government and the organizing council went unanswered.

Among the armed groups invited to the seminar are the Arakan Army, which holds significant areas in Rakhine, and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar’s strongest rebel factions. A spokesperson for the NUG government declined to comment, and both the Arakan Army and KIA have yet to provide a response regarding the seminar.

Despite international condemnation and sanctions against the junta from Western nations, India has maintained engagement through high-level visits to the military’s capital. The Indian government remains hesitant to criticize the junta openly, fearing it could push the military closer to its rival, China. Historically, New Delhi has not engaged with the junta’s opponents.

The purpose behind the seminar and India’s motives remain unclear. In June, India’s Foreign Minister expressed concerns about border instability and security threats to Indian projects in Myanmar, indicating that India is "open to engaging all stakeholders" in addressing these issues.

India is involved in significant infrastructure projects in Myanmar, including the $400 million Kaladan port and highway project and an additional $250 million road project linking northeastern India with Thailand via Myanmar.

The planned seminar arrives amidst an ongoing peace effort by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has seen limited success since its initiation in April 2021, largely due to the junta’s refusal to engage in dialogue. Last year, Indonesia, as ASEAN chair, reported receiving positive signals regarding initial discussions among major conflict parties, but no significant progress has been made since.

Analysts suggest that this forthcoming meeting may represent India’s most serious attempt to connect with Myanmar’s pro-democracy elements since the 2021 coup. Observers note that it remains to be seen whether this effort will aim for specific diplomatic outcomes or serve as a signal for the Myanmar military to de-escalate its stance.

India’s overarching concern continues to be the security and stability of its borders.