India halts arms sales to Myanmar

India has halted all arms sales and transfers to Myanmar, a development that could increase international pressure on the military government that crushed pro-democracy protests led by monks this fall.

The Indian government’s decision has not been officially announced, but diplomatic sources said it had been privately confirmed by New Delhi to top U.S. officials. A spokesman for the Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment.

The government in Myanmar, also known as Burma, is regarded as one of the world’s most repressive.

In September, massive demonstrations led by Buddhist monks threatened the government’s rule, until the army arrested thousands of monks and democracy activists. Of those arrested, 700 remain behind bars, along with 1,150 political prisoners already in detention, according to Amnesty International.

Before the protests, military ties between India and Myanmar had appeared to be on a fast track. Military contacts had increased early this year, with New Delhi seeking help battling Myanmar-based insurgent groups operating on its northeastern border and also attempting to counteract China’s growing influence in Myanmar’s economy.

Indian and Myanmar military forces began conducting joint operations, and Indian officials indicated they would grant Myanmar’s request for military equipment.