India's silence toward Myanmar shows its wariness of China

New Delhi's delicate diplomacy dictated by strategic interests, analysts say

Aung San Suu Kyi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With China staring down at it, New Delhi has realized the need to take a pragmatic approach toward the military junta in Myanmar. (Source photos by Reuters)

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

February 25, 2021 17:06 JST

NEW DELHI -- While Western nations condemn the military coup in Myanmar, India is taking a cautious approach as it bolsters its connectivity to Southeast Asia and attempts to curb China's influence.

Myanmar and India share a 1,600 km border, giving India a gateway to greater economic integration with Southeast Asia. As such, the country is crucial to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy.