New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) India reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive and fair elections in Myanmar, emphasizing the need for participation from all stakeholders.

"Regarding elections in Myanmar, we have clearly stated our position. We advocate for inclusive and fair elections involving all stakeholders. We are aware that, as you mentioned, two rounds of elections have occurred, with more to follow. Some individuals from India have traveled there, but these visits are private in nature," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a press briefing in New Delhi.

The multiparty general elections in Myanmar are being conducted in three phases.

The second phase of voting wrapped up in 100 townships across 12 out of 14 regions and states on January 11, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency.

The first phase occurred in 102 townships on December 28, while the third phase is scheduled for January 25 in 63 townships. Following the initial phase, the Union Election Commission (UEC) released the names of over 100 elected representatives to the Pyithu Hluttaw, more than 30 to the Amyotha Hluttaw, and over 100 to the State and Region Hluttaws.

On January 11, Zaw Min Tun, Leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defence and Security Council, announced that "we will convene the parliament in March, with the new government taking office in April, following the same structure as previously."

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of Myanmar's State Security and Peace Commission, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, to review bilateral relations and explore future cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to meet the developmental needs of Myanmar, highlighting the importance of bilateral ties as part of India's Neighbourhood First, Act East, and Indo-Pacific strategies.

"During the SCO Summit, PM Narendra Modi engaged with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to assess India-Myanmar relations and discuss various aspects of collaboration, including trade, development partnerships, defence and security, and border management. PM Modi emphasized India's readiness to assist Myanmar's development needs," stated the MEA after the meeting.

PM Modi expressed optimism that the upcoming elections in Myanmar would be conducted in a fair and inclusive manner, involving all stakeholders. He stressed that India endorses a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, asserting that peaceful dialogue and consultation are the only paths forward.