India has reportedly halted all arms sales and transfers to Myanmar, a move that may increase international pressure on the military junta which is facing heat for its crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
The Indian government's decision not to sell arms to Myanmar has not been officially announced, but diplomatic sources have said that it has been privately confirmed by New Delhi to top US officials in recent weeks, The Washington Post reported.
Recently, First Lady Laura Bush, during a video teleconference in recognition of International Human Rights Day, said: "India, one of Burma's (Myanmar) closest trading partners, has stopped selling arms to the junta."
She was asked about actions taken by countries around the world against Myanmar.
However, a spokesman for the Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the story, the newspaper said.
The media report has said that before the protests, military ties between India and Myanmar had appeared to be on a fast track.
"Military contacts had increased in early 2007, with New Delhi seeking help battling Burmese-based insurgent groups operating on its northeastern border and also attempting to counteract China's growing influence in the Burmese economy. Indian and Burmese military forces began conducting joint operations, and Indian officials indicated they would grant Burma's request for military equipment," it added.
