Northeast media reported Mr. Swe as saying that the regional objectives India sought to achieve through its Look East policy would not materialize until Myanmar became a democratic country. He found it difficult to understand why India had entered into an apparent understanding with the ruling army junta, on various issues. The EU countries and the US had imposed stringent conditions against Myanmar on its poor record on human rights, right to dissent and information. The UN has adopted as many as 30 resolutions on the present situation in Myanmar.

In contrast, India's concern for the pro-democracy cause and its leader, Nobel winning Aung San Suu Kyi, was at best low key. This despite the strong groundwell of support for the pro-democracy movement that exists among India's intellectuals, civil society and a section of its politicians.

Kolkata-based observers pointed out that in part, the barely concealed competition in the region between India and China for regional supremacy was a major reason behind India's present stand on Myanmar. There was little doubt that India had changed course on the critical position adopted on Myanmar during the NDA regime, or when Mr. George Fernandes's thinking influenced the country's foreign policy towards its Eastern neighbours.

In part, this shift has been dictated by the changing geo-political realities. All countries compete intensely to ensure steady supplies of fuel and energy to continue their economic progress. Naturally big countries like India and China have been competing to secure such resources through long-term agreements all over the world, from Africa to Asia to the Siberian regions.

Since Myanmar enjoys huge offshore gas and oil reserves in the Bay of Bengal, neither country can ignore the possibilities of economic co-operation with Myanmar. Quite apart from India and China, Russia, Australia and South Korea are among the countries that have either participated in, or are working in, exploration and drilling work in the area. This naturally involves a degree of political accommodation with the present ruling establishment in Myanmar.

The conflict between regional interests defined by requirements of realpolitik as opposed to an adherence to ethical norms in good neighbourly relations, is never easy to handle. Most observers also take note the genuine sympathy and material support that significant sections of public opinion in India have been mobilising for the cause of democracy in Myanmar.

But continuing its earlier critical role against whoever rules in Myanmar at this juncture may end up in India being physically outflanked by China, Myanmar and Bangladesh (which also has never sold its gas to India!) on its East, not to mention losing the long-term battle to secure rich energy linkages without which there cannot be economic progress.

This explains India's active participation in drilling and exploration work in the Bay of Bengal offshore sites. It is also helping the Myanmar authorities in road building, upgrading of port facilities and other infrastructural work considered vital for the proposed economic integration of the region as a whole. In the medium term, it is difficult to foresee any change in its present policy approach towards Myanmar. (IPA)