LOK SABHA SPEAKER REAFFIRMS INDIA'S SUPPORT FOR PEACE, STABILITY AND NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN MYANMAR
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla welcomed a Myanmar parliamentary delegation and reaffirmed India's support for peace, stability, and democratic development in Myanmar. He highlighted India-Myanmar's deep civilisational ties, strategic bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, and India's willingness to share its parliamentary and democratic experience with Myanmar as it strengthens its institutions.
Why It Matters
Relevant for UPSC and state-PSC candidates studying India's foreign policy (Act East, Neighbourhood First, Indo-Pacific frameworks), bilateral relations, and international affairs. Also pertinent for understanding India's role in regional stability and democratic cooperation.
In Simple Words
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Myanmar's parliamentary delegation and stressed India's commitment to Myanmar's peace and stability. He highlighted that India and Myanmar share ancient civilisational and Buddhist heritage, and that Myanmar is central to India's Act East, Neighbourhood First, and Indo-Pacific policies. Bilateral cooperation spans politics, security, defence, trade, and development.
Birla noted India's willingness to share its parliamentary and democratic experience with Myanmar. He mentioned India's electoral innovations like Electronic Voting Machines (introduced in 2004) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). He also acknowledged Myanmar's recent general elections held in three phases between December 2025 and January 2026, which introduced proportional representation and electronic voting machines for the first time.
Key Points
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met parliamentary delegation from Myanmar led by Dr. Pwint San, Chairperson of International Relations Committee, Parliament of Myanmar
- Delegation visiting India to participate in capacity-building programme by Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE)
- Myanmar occupies important place in India's Act East, Neighbourhood First, and Indo-Pacific foreign policy frameworks
- India-Myanmar bilateral relations encompass cooperation in politics, security, defence, trade, investment, connectivity, development and humanitarian assistance
- India's Parliament has been at heart of country's democracy since Constitution came into force in 1950 and first Lok Sabha constituted in 1952
- 18th Lok Sabha constituted following General Elections held in June 2024
- India introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from 2004 Lok Sabha elections, followed by Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system
- Myanmar conducted general elections for National Parliament and State/Regional Legislatures in three phases between December 2025 and January 2026
Exam Angle
𝕏 Official Update
A. Myanmar conducted general elections for the National Parliament and State/Regional Legislatures in three phases between December 2025 and January 2026.
Source: Press Information Bureau