India issues travel advisory for Myanmar’s Rakhine state

India has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to refrain from visiting Myanmar’s Rakhine state due to worsening security conditions.

The Ministry of External Affairs cited concerns over disrupted telecommunications, including landlines, and severe shortages of essential goods in the region.

The advisory states, “Given the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar.” Additionally, Indian citizens currently in Rakhine State are advised to depart immediately.

“Those Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately,” the statement added.
Last week, New Delhi expressed concern over the “deteriorating” situation in Myanmar and urged for an early resolution to the conflict with the return of peace and stability in the country.

During its weekly press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s longstanding advocacy for the cessation of violence and Myanmar’s transition toward an inclusive federal democracy.

Incidents of violence in Myanmar have seen a recent surge, particularly following a coordinated offensive by three ethnic minority forces last October, capturing several towns and military posts. According to experts, the rebellion is the ‘biggest test’ for the junta since it seized power in a coup three years ago.

The escalation in violence has also resulted in a significant influx of people from Myanmar into the state of Mizoram along the Indo-Myanmar border after the Myanmar army conducted airstrikes in bordering areas.