Traditional Indian diplomatic lethargy and reluctance to “export democracy to other countries” has incurred costs and hurt its image at crucial junctures.As a compassionate Buddhist who practices embracing one’s enemies, “The Lady” aims to convince the incorrigible Army establishment to work together with her in the interest of Myanmar’s long-suppressed citizens.The positive election outcome in Myanmar has opened space for India as a pivotal enabler of its slow, ongoing transition to democracy.

Now though, with Ms Suu Kyi proving her legendary survival skills and resilience in the election and besting the generals, most of whom could not even win their individual parliamentary seats China aluminum platform ladder suppliers in an NLD wave, it is no longer a zero-sum game proposition for India to either be with the Myanmar military or the democratisers. The Army-imposed Constitution bars Ms Suu Kyi from becoming President and reserves the most powerful ministries of defence, interior and border affairs for the military.Yet, towards the later part of ruthless rule by a military junta from 1988 to 2011, India deliberately sidled up to Myanmar’s Army to counter anti-India secessionist militant groups sheltering across the border.