THE Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Myanmar political parties, NSPNC, and EAOs met at the India Centre in Yangon on 19 March for a discussion.
The meeting participants discussed topics such as constitutional frameworks and federalism, India’s experience in managing a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual federal system, inclusive governance and power-sharing, and the relationship between Indian federalism and ethnic diversity.
The meeting was attended by three representatives from the National Solidarity and Peacemaking Negotiation Committee (NSPNC) of Myanmar, including its Secretary, Lt-Gen Min Naing, and representatives from five of the seven armed groups that have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA): Daw Saw Mra Razar Lin, Nan Yin Yin Soe, Colonel Saw Kyaw Nyunt, Yebaw Myo Win, and Colonel Khun Okka.
In addition, the following political party representatives were present: Chairman of People’s Party U Ko Ko Gyi, Chairman of Arakan Front Party Dr Aye Maung, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Force Party U Htet Aung Kyaw, Chairman of the Tai-Leng Nationalities Development Party U Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Arakan National Party U Tha Htun Hla, former Pyithu Hluttaw representatives Daw Khin Saw Wai and U Ye Htun, former Yangon Region Hluttaw representative Dr Nyo Nyo Thin, writer Kyaw Win, U Khin Maung Soe from the USDP, and U Saw Than Myint from the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party.
Myanmar’s political and administrative institutions visited India from 5 to 7 November 2024 to study federalism, followed by discussions at the India Centre in Yangon, Myanmar, on 18 March 2025. — ASH/TH
