NEW DELHI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- India reportedly has quietly stopped arms sales to Myanmar, which may bring more global pressure on the military junta to ease up its crackdown on democracy.
India along with China had been criticized for not using its influence to discourage the junta's brutal suppression of Buddhist monks who led the pro-democracy movement last September in the country formerly called Burma.
The Indian decision has not been announced officially, but The Washington Post quoted sources as saying India privately confirmed it to U.S. officials.
The Post said prior to the protests, military relations between India and Myanmar were seen to be growing with India seeking the junta's help in battling Myanmar-based insurgent groups. India also was seeking to counter growing Chinese influence in Myanmar.
Michael J. Green, a former top Asia adviser to President Bush, was quoted as telling the Post India's latest decision is a "big deal for U.S.-India relations."
Other experts said the decision also would put more pressure on China, which remains Myanmar's largest trading partner and arms supplier. China also has refused to support an arms embargo at the United Nations.
