As the only democracy among the countries – including communist China and army-ruled Thailand – with significant influence over Burma’s ruling junta, India has found itself squirming in the diplomatic hot seat. With the US calling for ever tougher sanctions, New Delhi is coming under unprecedented pressure to show regional leadership in support of the pro-democracy movement.

After suppression of the 1988 uprising, India supported the pro-democracy movement, even providing financial assistance to organisations dedicated to armed struggle against the Burmese military. India has strong ties to Aung San Suu Kyi, who studied in India and whose mother was ambassador, following the death of her father, General Aung San, Burma’s assassinated independence hero.