June 15, 2024
The Indian government has been accused of supporting the Myanmar military junta’s ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a statement released by Justice For Myanmar (JFM) on June 14.
In July 2019, India and Myanmar signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing military collaboration. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicates that from 2017 to 2022, India was Myanmar’s third-largest arms supplier.
A report by the Vivekananda International Foundation in September 2023 revealed that over 50% of India’s total arms exports during this period went to Myanmar. The report lists various military equipment and supplies transferred to Myanmar, including artillery, armored vehicles, warships, and refurbished Russian-made Kilo-class submarines. Additionally, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited is in talks with the Myanmar junta to supply missiles.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, a government-linked enterprise, has been selling military equipment to the junta and is believed to be involved in joint military training exercises with Myanmar. This company is 75% government-owned. BEML Limited, another state-owned company, has been supplying the junta with trains, machinery, spare parts, and services. The company’s aviation division produces aircraft armament carriers and multi-role weapon systems, and it is 54% state-owned. Hindustan Shipyards Limited has been handling export orders, including from Myanmar, and has serviced Kilo-class submarines used by the Indian Navy before they were sold to Myanmar.
In October 2022, Yantra India Limited delivered numerous 122mm artillery pieces to the junta for use with howitzers. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has been purchasing teak from Myanmar’s timber industry, taking advantage of Western economic sanctions imposed in 2023. The revenue from these timber sales supports the junta’s war crimes.
Justice For Myanmar’s statement urges the Indian government to immediately cease all sales and transfers of military equipment, technology, and fuel to the Myanmar junta and to halt all military training programs. The organization also calls on governments and companies with economic ties to India’s military and defense sectors to pressure the Indian government to stop supporting the Myanmar military.
Photo – JFM
