NEW DELHI: India is considering supplying arms to Myanmar’s government in a sign of strong support for a neighbour that faces criticism for its crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.

The arms were discussed during a visit by the chief of Myanmar’s navy, Indian officials said on Thursday. The two sides also talked about training Myanmar sailors on top of the courses taught to its army officers at elite Indian defence institutions.

India’s decision to discuss enhancing military cooperation with its eastern neighbour appears part of a push to counter Chinese influence in the region.

It comes at a time when Western countries are stepping up pressure on Myanmar’s government for violence against Rohingya Muslims in its northwestern Rakhine state.

Myanmar rejects the charge, saying its forces are tackling insurgents of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army who it has accused of setting fires and attacking civilians.

Britain said this week it was suspending its training programme for the Myanmar military, demanding it take steps to end the violence against civilians.

On Wednesday, the commander-in-chief of the Myanmar navy Admiral Tin Aung San met Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and the chiefs of India’s army, navy and air force.

The two sides are discussing the supply of offshore patrol boats, a military official said.

The Myanmar navy chief also visited the naval ship building site in Mumbai as part of the four-day trip that ends on Thursday.

“Myanmar is a pillar of our Look East policy and defence is a large part of the relationship,” said the official.

In 2013, India offered to supply equipment such as artillery guns, radars and night vision devices to Myanmar’s army.

Since then, the focus has shifted to naval cooperation as India seeks to push back against Chinese influence in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2017