In today's geopolitical world, India is rising as a promising state among major world powers backed by its strong economy and human resources. In other words, we can say that India is now reaping the fruits of its democratization. It is a matter of pride for India, to have lived up to the dreams of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. However, India's credibility as the world's largest democracy, on the moral ground is a big question.

The question is the way India embraces its policy on Burma , especially in the aftermath of the popular 'Saffron Revolution' in September, 2007. While the world community strongly condemned the Burmese regime for their atrocious killings and suppression of the peaceful demonstrators, India came in too late to condemn the regime after the Chinese which is soft towards the regime. These have really hurt the sentiments of the Burmese people in India, who feel as the largest democracy and neighbour is should have played a role to take concrete action in the hour of need. However, India failed to act at this juncture of need to devalue its credibility.

Another more disappointing fact is the invitation of U Nyan Win, the Foreign Minister of Burma by the Indian government to New Delhi in the first week of January 2008, to conclude the Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project of $120 million, and agreed to expand trade ties between the two states from the current level of nearly $ 1 billion. The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh had stressed the need for greater urgency in bringing about political reforms and national reconciliation in Burma at their meeting. India's invitation to the Burmese top leader at this stage is a clear indication that India is looking only at its economic interest over the people of Burma and against their long struggle for democracy and human rights. Apparently, India itself damaged its image and credibility as the largest democracy in the world.

In fact, India is the right state to back the Burmese people's struggle for democracy under the true leadership of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won the general elections in 1990's. The support of India, not by word, but by action is crucial at this point of time for democratic transition in Burma, as India's role in establishing democracy in the world, had been much helpful in the cases of Bangladesh in 1971 and Nepal in 2006. Besides, India needs to respect the stand of the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi towards Burma after the 8, 8, 88's nationwide uprising. He is credited with India's support for democracy by giving moral and material support for the establishment of democracy in Burma. But now, where is India standing for democracy?

Therefore, the present Indian government has reason to think and review its relationship with the Burmese military regime. The time is ripe for India to reverse its policy on Burma and it need to take concrete actions on the military regime by cutting all military aids and economic and diplomatic relations. Because, the sooner there is A democratic government in Burma, much brighter prospects for the two nations at large will come about.

(Plato Van Rung Mang is a Political Science graduate from Delhi University and former General Secretary of Chin Student's Union, Delhi and now working for Chin Human Rights Organization and a member in the working committee of Information & publication for Chin National Council)