Can India help Myanmar in Re-Settlement of Rohingya Muslims?

How can India help Myanmar to re-settle the displaced Rohingya Muslims? In a bid to review and strengthen bilateral ties, India and Myanmar held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations discussing defence, security and resettlement of Rohingya Muslims. The return of displaced Rohingya Muslims was extensively discussed in the bilateral meet between the two Asian nations. 

As reported by Indian TOI, Myanmar’s army establishment and civil leadership instigated an internal probe into the Rohingya crisis. A national security meeting was held on Friday between the Army and top brass of civil leadership.

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The meeting did not just restrict to the issue of Rohingya Muslims or the Rakhine State but also deliberated upon comprehensive bilateral relations. High-level visits, security and defence issues, boundary management, border relations, trade and commerce, development infrastructure, connectivity and cultural cooperation were all discussed. Regional and global issues of mutual concern and similar interests were also discussed.

The Foreign Secretary of India Vijay Gokhale represented India while Myanmar was represented by U Myint Thu. Myint Thu is the permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Myanmar.

The Return Of Rohingya Muslims

In August 2017, offensive operations by the Myanmar Army in the Rakhine State led to the exodus of 70000 Rohingya Muslims. The members of the minority group fled Myanmar to take shelter in neighbouring nations especially Bangladesh.

In May, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar told the UN delegation that Myanmar is ready to accept verified Rohingya Muslims. She told the visiting delegation of the UN that after completing a verification process the Rohingyas can return to Myanmar. The Rohingya crisis is one of the worst refugee crisis the world has ever seen.  According to a pact between Myanmar and Bangladesh, a two-year deadline has been set for the repatriation of Rohingya Muslims.

India’s Stance on Rohingya Muslims 

Sushma Swaraj, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, India stated last month that India stands for the safe, speedy and sustainable return of displaced Rohingya Muslims. On several occasions, India has reiterated its readiness and commitment to help Myanmar in addressing issues pertaining to the Rakhine state. India has always shown the willingness to assist Myanmar in every possible way.