UN has declared October 2 as World Non-Violence Day. Speaking at the UN on this occasion, both Sonia Gandhi and Pranab Mukherjee preached 'non-violence' to the world community. Yet India keeps mum on the situation Myanmar. Why Delhi doesn't have the courage when it comes to Myanmar? In a live chat on IBNLive.com, CNN-IBN's Senior Editor-Anchor Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar exchanged his views on the issue.
Here is the full transcript of the chat without any editorial touch:
Astroshiva: India and Myanmar share a long history of cultural and geographical co-existence. I want to know why didn't our external affairs ministry bother to oppose the brutality of the military govt. there?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: That's what we all want to know as well. My guess is we are too scared to upset the good economic relations. And we are still stuck in the old paradox... choosing between the practical and the moral. We haven't evolved to the stage of doing both the practical and the moral.
srinivasa.c: I am curious to know why India is silent on Myanmar.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: We all are... Except for some wishy-washy comments from Pranab Mukherjee that are worded carefully so as not to upset Sr Gen Than Shwe and his administration.
sharath Chandar: What does US. A states on the South American countries to be under dictatorship like Nicaruga and other small countries "It states at US Interest" .It is because of our national interest only the Government mute on the Myanmar.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar:Sure... but then why go to the UN and talk about how we must all have courage to follow the path of non-violence? Why heap such an insult on Gandhi, that too on his birth anniversary if we are not going to follow his principles anyway? Also, it is debatable if national interest in the long term is served by following expedient policies... Don't you think?
prakash sharma: Is India afraid of China.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Shhhhh... Don't say that too loudly.. :) No, seriously, 'afraid' is not the word I would use. Let's just say, we have a healthy distrust.
Ben: Are we losing the grip over our neighbours, first it was with Nepal, when the Indian government tight-lipped during the political turmoil in the recent past? now it's with Myanmar. Is the government worried that it would not be heard properly by the junta in Myanmar?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Good question... You know.. ironically... the foreign minister was spelling out how India's neighbourhood is full of trouble with states transiting to democracy... The problem... as you state it could be the opposite... Is India losing its grip over its neighbours? We are certainly not visibly influencing anything in any of our neighbouring states. With regard to Myanmar, I think we just don't know how to do this...
Archana: Who cares about Myanmar?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Good question... then why participate in this discussion? I am presuming there is some interest at least at the human level about the recent crackdown on monks. Is so... it's a human story. Myanmar is also a close neighbour. We can ill afford to ignore what happens in that country...
Rajesh: Sir, if I can chip in with my own observation... India has a lot at stake in Myanmar. First and foremost, the huge gas field that Myanmar has put on offer to the world. ONGC, Essar, Gail -- all top Indian companies have up to 20% stake in the Swu gas field -- the biggest in Myanmar. Mind you: India lost the bigger pie when Myanmar walked out of the gas pipeline project. They are giving the same to China now. Delhi can't afford to lose any more clout in the neighbourhood. Then India has almost got the Myanmarese junta to toe its line on the Northeast militancy.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Precisely... the truth is... the Chinese are way ahead of us in this business. We will not be able to catch up. Imagine... for the UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari to even enter the country and visit both Than Shwe and Aung San Suu Kyii the Chinese had to intervene!! The point however, is not jeopardise our economic interest. The point is... if we do have aspirations of a great power.. then we should know how to behave like one: take the right stand AND keep our economic interests. Our economic interests are with the state, not with one administration. Is that right?
Vinodh:Is India following a pragmatic foreign policy?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: That's the debate, is it pragmatic, is it even a 'policy'?
PAGE_BREAK
Smitha Nair: Shankar, what’s wrong with the policy of non-intervention? We ve had our share of reckless venture in the neighbourhood...we did seek the military junta's help in the crackdown on NE groups...didn’t we? Just a thought what would you advice Dr Singh or Pranab da if you were part of south block.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Sit down with the brightest on the block and figure out how to couch a strongly worded statement that shows India's interests lies with the future of the people of Myanmar, not with its administration. Why are we afraid of taking on an administration? If the US can think of regime change, why can't we but in the right way... Otherwise give up on great power aspirations... We should be able to say.. we want our strategic interests... at the same time... we think what you are doing is completely deplorable... We should know how to do this... Let's be clear.. .no one's talking about a military intervention.
kjram: Do you think we need a full time External affairs minister rather than some one who has only time to be a middleman and go on trouble shooting assignments for the congress party.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Poor Pranab Mukherjee, he does has a full plate... Yes... think he needs to think about this one carefully too...
Srinivas: Its sad that instead of supporting for the democracy in myanmar, i read some reports that our army supports Burmese dictator. Any specific strategic reasons.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: The army in India enjoys good relations with armies around the world. Burma/Myanmar is no exception... Don't think the Indian army is particularly disposed favourably towards the junta in Myanmar. Gen Kapoor is new to his job. He will soon find his feet...
Sean: Also the fact that Burmese Genaral Than Shwe was at Rajghat in Jan and was allowed to offer flowers there? Why doesn’t anyone talk about this, the media especially, I the media to scared of upsetting the government's Foreign policy in the region?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Does it sound like as if CNN IBN is scared now?
kjram: Firs it was supporting the king in Nepal and now an army dictator. what guides the external affairs policy of GOI?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Supposedly the government of the day... not always well advised by bureaucrats who come and go.. and some who are not even career international relations experts/diplomats who end up pushing files. Don't get me wrong... I think Menon, Shiv Shankar is brilliant... however, I can't say the same of several others. But then... how does it matter to the MEA what I say. The problem is... MEA thinks it knows best... That's the problem with most people as well.. I say.. I know what I am talking about... but I am happy to shown that I am wrong. At least I will be corrected and learn...
K S Srinivasamurthy: Mr Iyer I am of the view that as long as our neighbour is good to our country's interest and support in our international endevours, whether it is democratic or military regime does not matter to us. See U.S. how they support military rulers all over the world as long as it serves their national interest.We have problem in the N.E. We need a safe border. We need a strong ruler in Burma who support our needs. What is wrong in being silent?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: You are never going to have a safe border if you are going to be afraid of displeasing one dictatorial administration on your border. It is a sign of lack of trust and the brittle nature of your relations. As Sonia Gandhi said in her speech at the UN strength comes from righteousness... Then why not practise it?
Parikshit: We always blame the US for running with the hares and hunting with the hounds in cases of promoting democracy and managing its economics. Sadly, we too are doing the same here. We did the same in Nepal and are doing the same in Burma. It may be politically and economically correct but it is surely bad for humanity. The military Junta there is very ruthless and there is now way we should support them. We should show to the world that economic interests are not the be all and end all of international relations. We should strongly condemn the junta and support Aung san suu kyi who has been detained for over a decade even after being democratically elected Prime Minister.
PAGE_BREAK
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Yes... but why does it have to be an ineluctable choice between economic interest and ethics/morality? Why can't it be both? Can good ethics not lead to good economics?
Sean: If CNN-IBN is not scared, please include a few inputs from here http://www.himalmag.com/2007/february/ along with the wonderful video there. We should not forget that India has had direct military interventions in all of the 7/8 SAARC countries and others too in the region, are we aping the US and trying to be a regional US, is that the way forward, act Big brother or follow a more mellow policy advocated and termed the "Gujaral doctrine"
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Hardly... No one needs to be a 'big' brother... just be a good brother... tell me when I am wrong... and help me when I need it.
DILIP: Current Indian leadership is not able to act on time, also not giving all the wrong reason to believe west that we are supporting the current regim of myanmar for our financial benifits only. We are world's largest democracy but not able to give any vision to our immediate neighbours. My question is left parties recently taken active part in Nepal for democracy, why they are not doing same for myanmar ? Are they mearly acting as china's agents?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: The poor left... Leave them alone... It's surely unfair to expect them to be working with a military dictatorship... And this whole stigma of being Chinese agents is too hackneyed and not even believed by those who mouth it, including, I am sure, Mr Kapil Sibal.
Qllawqdin: I think its not only in the Myanmar case, Indian govt is indifferent to other country affairs.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Oh no.. .try saying that to Tasnim Aslam... Just yesterday was it? she was busy accusing India of meddling in the internal affairs of Pakistan.
Shomik Banerjee: I ask this question as a novice. What is a better strategy keeping in mind our long term interests?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Don't run with the hares and hunt with the hounds... be the king of the jungle. It's difficult to spell out a long term strategy in a few words... but the aforesaid might be a good starting point.
Athreya: The New army Gen said, We don't want to spoil the healthy relationship with our neighbor militia(Myanmar). So what kind of action can be expected from India to resolve the crisis in Myanmar?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Pumping the Myanmar foreign minister's hands... more platitudes... hope the 'international community' will intervene so we don't need to 'do' anything and can claim that we were steady in our response by not hitting the panic button... and all the while keep our fingers crossed that the Chinese don't out do us in securing our future economic interests... Be a bi-part player in our own backyard...
Rahul Mane: I think, the reason behind India`s reluctance to initiate a strong diplomatic crescendo vis a vis Myanmar is fear to invite repeat of holocast of Srilanka Peace Keeping Forces...Am I right? Please guide.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: No, I don't believe so. We are not talking about any military intervention in Myanmar...
Vishal: I agree no one wants a big brother, but tell me what has happened in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka? We failed to make an impression on our neighbours and because of that we have lost an influence in those countries, so now Nepal is more in Chinese influence than Indian, Bangladesh is now like second Pakistan mass hatred for India with out ant apparent reason and we all know about Rajiv Gandhi's flop show in Sri Lanka and now LTTE is now closer to al-Qaeda?? So now if we keep on neglecting Burma too, these people will also be indifferent with India like Nepal or may hate us like Bangladesh, as history says in every country times change n if Burma gets its freedom from military rule than we wont be havin any influence there, n it may become another port of entry for militants!!!! What are your thoughts???
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: I don't think I wish INdia to use its good offices in Myanmar or protest the crackdown there to get two pats on the back from the people of Myanmar. I don't think that is the point... Our interests need us to show spine and character. Being afraid is not an option. Otherwise... give up on all this talk of World Non Violence Day gloss...
PAGE_BREAK
Vinay: When India aspires for a UN permanaent seat, and a prominent role in the world geo-politics, why doesnt it back it up with some pro-active, solution oriented actions at least in its own neighborhood. Be it SriLanka, Burma or Bangaldesh, we almost always need to be pushed by someone to even comment, forget act. Isn’t this counterproductive to our efforts in securing global importance and recognition?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Myanmar could well be a test case for Indian foreign policy and its international stature. Can we come up with a good, intelligent policy that shows initiative in Myanmar? One that keeps our interests and at the same time doesn't compromise on our principles?
Sean: Help who? The Burmese Generals or the people? and what dictates this help? Didn’t we help both sides in SL and burn our hands? Dint we help Nepal and the maoists have now pulled out, Din we help Maldives in 1988 in keeping the eternal dictatorship going there? why does India have so many "banana republics" around her? Strange coincidence or.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Maybe we are just 'monkeying' around...:)
James: It is unfortunate that the military dictatorship has passed up yet another opportunity to resume its long-broken dialogue with the pro-democracy. Apart from episodic tactical assistance in tackling insurgents in the North-East, India has achieved little by coddling the junta. movement. India has switched from a vocal opponent of the junta to one currying favor with the generals.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Precisely... Well said...
Aarvee: Why India can't launch a military action against the Junta, even they are harboring terrorist cell on their land? How will the companies in India benefit if tomorrow democracy is setup there without any Indian help and they start boycotting Indian products because of stand our government has taken today? It will go to affect India as sub-continent power. What do you say?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Military action is as bad an idea as the US going into Iraq...
Preety: The situation , in your own words, “..universally condemned around the world. Would a condemnation by another neighboring country serve any useful purpose in the first place?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: yes.. at the very least to show where we stand... instead of nowhere right now... Plus, the condemnation is an art in diplomacy... The language you use/can use is very important... We chose to be bland...
Aditya Deshpande:Dear Dr.Vidya Shanakar Aiyar,Plz guide me, I think a democratic myanmar will be more beneficial to India than under military rule so India should openly and actively support movement for democracy in Myanmar. Though Govt. of India is worried about India`s interest in oil reserves in Myanmar,but Military is more inclined to China.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: For long India supported the democratic movement in Myanmar... and then woke up to the fact... if ASEAN can't be bothered about the junta, why should India? That was then... now.. this is a different time... And even ASEAN is at least speaking out...
Dr Gautam Talukdar: We simply talk about non-violence but do not practice it in our day to day life. What is happening every day ? Look at the newspapers, electronic media, TV news. There are rape, murder, violence every day. Gone are the days when Lord Buddha both preached and practiced non-violence (Ahimsa). That is why it's no wonder why India is so silent on the happenings in Myanmar. India should immediately shed its double standard and help peace loving monks and people of Myanmar in restoration of democracy and peace in Myanmar. It is in India's long term interests to do so…
PAGE_BREAK
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Well said... The question is ... how do we do this?
surya: Should India lose its influence(the very little it has) in Myanmar and compromise national interests by jeopardising its future energy security and let the Chinese have a stronger foothold in Myanmar by supporting their "pro-democracy" movement?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: This negative and loser's perspective is what governs the MEA right now... Why are we assuming that we have little influence? Why are we assuming that we have a foothold that is somehow 'defensible'? What is our national interest? Do we even know that? If we believe the government of the day, our future energy security was to come from the Indo US nuclear deal? We aren't even bothered about the Iran-Pak-India gas pipeline! And if it is true that we stand to lose so much, as is suggested by the question, then India should give up its dream of being a world leader and forever accept playing second fiddle to China and the other great powers. The point is simple... it is NOT a choice between national interest AND helping the pro-democracy movement. The point is... how to have BOTH!
Vikas Pandey: Do you think India is maintaining silence over Myanmar because of China factor? Insurgency in North-eastern states of India has stronger links with Myanmar, so far military regime in Myanmar has been hard on militant groups, as they denied shelter to these groups. How much this factor is contributing in India’s foreign policy over Myanmar.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: We need to find out what INdia has been doing... All we know is... it's not been doing very much... The question is... can we do more? Should we not do more? It's unlikely that China is a factor in this... It might simply be... inertia in the government/MEA... why do anything at all? Let these mad South East Asians sort them out... attitude...
Raguraman M: Hello Dr. Aiyar, I feel that it is it due to the problems of North East , that India is silent on Myanmar. Your thoughts ?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: I wish it was. At least then we would know why we are silent. It seems to me... we are just being lazy about it all... Why bother... let these guys sort it out themselves...
Sundar: Hello Dr. Are you there?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: yes, till 5:30pm, am afraid.. :)
Srini: Dear Dr. Aiyar, The Indian response to the Myanmar issue is grounded "realism" in international affairs, with a sympathy and solidarity toward third world nations, as it has been for quite some years. The trouble with Myanmar is that India covets energy deals with the nation as much as China does. This competitive "bidding" is what is preventing India as well as China to put that much pressure on the dishonest generals in the ruling junta. At the same time, the Indian response must have factored the "threat" perception to the junta regime. Therefore the question is, how much exactly do these protests led by monks mean at all to be possible for a change in power. As it happens in such changes, is there a chink in the armour, meaning, is there anyone in the junta at all, who is open to a regime change? News organisations aren't coming out with details on this account.
PAGE_BREAK
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Information is scarce... but consider this... we are not thinking creatively enough... Why do you say 'competitive' bidding? There's been an astute politician in this country... bearing the same surname as I, who dared to suggest that it could be otherwise/cooperative at all... We need more of this... challenges to the status quo...
Sophia Eklund: Have you ever travelled inside Burma? Because journalists are usually not given any access by the Junta.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Not yet...
Jamie: India is silent because it’s a spineless democracy. We have never taken distinguishable stand on any of the burning international issues. Why Burma, we have never spoken about undemocratic, totalitarian regimes of Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein or closer home stifling of democracy in Bangladesh, Pakistan. It’s scared that if we take a righteous stand on Burma, it will push Military junta even more closer to China, hampering further India’s strategic interests in the Bay of Bengal, where Chinese presence is already giving sleepless nights. China is supposed to have set up monitoring posts and listening facilities along the Burma coast (Hainggyi, Sakanthit, Zadetkyi and Greater Coco). There have been reports that China wants to build a $2 billion oil pipeline from Burma’s coast on the Bay of Bengal to Yunnan Province in China. Vidya do you really expect â poorly educated-highly rated. South block babus to take a fair stand on Burmese Military junta turning their guns on hapless Monks? Please comment.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: Well said.. I believe this is not about getting India to comment on any and every matter that violates human rights around the world. All that I ask is... on a 'sacred' day like the 2 October, no less than Sonia Gandhi goes out to the UNGA and welcomes the idea of Ganhian non violence as relevant and how we all need the 'courage' to practise it... and YET the government lacks that 'courage' when it comes to Myanmar... Is she had not said that... then it wouldn't have mattered either way. Her saying it makes our whole acceptance of Gandhi hypocritical.
Rado: I am so not getting responses this side... Is this thing even on? Is Aiyer taking questions?
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: The next is the final one... Sorry for not getting to you earlier... Too many questions...:)
shailesh saxena: First off all sir, wny Mrs gandi is invited to UN for the speech? Who is she and what official position she is holding in government of India I think she does not represent the Indian people she only represent a party in India so we should not bother about what she speaks and what not thanks.
Dr Vidya Shankar Aiyar: I am very happy that she did. At least she has come out openly to state that INdia still believes in Gandhian non violence and must have the courage to practise it. Alright... let's hold her to it... Thanks very much all! Do watch Face the Nation tonight at 10 and vote on Ibnlive.com or sms it... to 52622... Our guests may have answers for you... Thank you for your questions... Best!:)
Phew! Quite an absorbing debate that was. Dr Aiyar has left the chatroom. Many questions have left unanswered because of dearth of time. But he promises to meet you all again on the IBNLive chatroom sometime soon. Thanks everyone.
Comments
0 comment