Menon’s visit to Myanmar will be the first official trip to Yangon, besides that of Tourism Minister Ambika Soni as Indian representative at former Myanmar PM Soe Win’s funeral, for discussions on the current situation. It may be noted that Myanmar Foreign Minister U Nyan Win was here on January 1 when New Delhi had conveyed that it supported the Gambari mission. While India has demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and supported a broad-based dialogue towards democracy, New Delhi is against any coercive diplomatic effort like applying sanctions or blocking trade.

It was on this count that India, China and Russia took a different and more calibrated position after the protest by monks that left many killed in Myanmar last August. Instead of taking drastic steps, India had suggested a dialogue involving all stakeholders in Myanmar. It was these efforts that resulted in the appointment of Gambari and his subsequent visit to the country during which he met not only leaders from the Military Government but also Suu Kyi.

However, Myanmar has indicated that Gambari could return to Myanmar in April or even later. The UN is of the view that this may be too long a gap and, therefore, attempts were made to reach out to New Delhi. Sources said British PM Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy too conveyed to India that it must help influence matters so that efforts towards speeding up the national reconciliation process do not lose momentum.

While India supports efforts towards bringing democracy in Myanmar, New Delhi is clear that this cannot be defined as a project in itself and must evolve out of a dialogue. India is clear that the military has a key role to play in any such process because of its historical role in making peace with several rebel groups and ensuring territorial integrity of Myanmar in the past.

On a more pragmatic note, India has received positive support from Myanmar in dealing with North-East insurgent groups. It may be recalled that this was a result of years of difficult diplomacy through the 1990s to rebuild ties with Yangon, which had decisively turned towards Beijing. China's clout in Myanmar remains a diplomatic challenge for India. Of late, India has finalised and largely financed the Kaladan multi-modal transport project. Besides, there is a regular defence exchange between both countries, though India has still not extended much in terms of military supplies.