On 21 December, the Vivekananda International Foundation organised a Round Table Discussion on the “Ongoing Crisis in Myanmar and Implications for India”. Dr Arvind Gupta, Director VIF delivered the opening remarks, followed by brief presentations by Amb Preet Mallik, Amb Rajiv Bhatia, Amb Gautam Mukhopadhya, Brig Rahul Bhonsle and Dr Cchavi Vasisht. The presentations were followed by discussions, with a special focus on what should be India’s way forward.

On 12 December 2023, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organised an interaction with a ten member visiting delegation of political leaders from Nepal. Dr. Arvind Gupta, the Director VIF, gave the introductory remarks, followed by the interaction. From the VIF, Amb Ranjit Rae, Gen Ravi Swahney, Brig Vinod Anand, Dr Angana Kotokey, Dr Anchita Borthakur, Aarushi Gupta and Dr Cchavi Vasisht participated in the event. The Nepalese delegation comprised of Mr. Kabindra Burlakoti (Rastriya Swatantra Party), Ms. KrantiShikha Dhital, (Rastriya Swatantra Party), Mr.

As COVID-19 struck the world countries, it took some months to recover back to their normal social and economic lives. However, for the people of Myanmar the crisis deepened further due to the military takeover in February 2021. The need for humanitarian support has increased since the military takeover; with almost 266 townships out of 330 have been targets of numerous violent attacks. The situation is further exacerbated by the military’s strategy of preventing life-saving humanitarian aid from reaching those who need it.

The February 2021 military takeover in Myanmar has had adverse impact on the country`s political, economic and social landscape, which was undergoing a democratic transition. It was a step back in the democratic journey the country had embarked upon since adopting the 2008 military-drafted Constitution. The military extended the emergency rule on 01 February 2023, and the elections to be conducted per the 2008 Constitution mandate were further deferred.