Islamabad: In a move that has drawn strong regional and international concern, Indian armed forces conducted drone strikes deep inside Myanmar on the morning of July 13, targeting camps of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-I).
The cross-border military action is being widely criticized as a direct violation of Myanmar’s sovereignty and a breach of international law, including the UN Charter.
According to Indian media reports, the strikes were carried out using 150 Israeli-made drones and targeted the Sagaing region, where ULFA-I’s Eastern Command headquarters was reportedly located.
Several militants, including a key ULFA commander, Nain Asom, were reportedly killed in the operation.
However, in a contradictory stance, India’s Ministry of Defence has denied any knowledge of the attack, raising questions about internal coordination and transparency within the Indian establishment.
Sources said that the covert operation was overseen by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and was not publicly acknowledged to avoid diplomatic fallout.
The action has been interpreted by many analysts as an attempt by the Indian government to divert attention from domestic military failures and criticism surrounding “Operation Sindur.”
Critics argue that the Indian government is using its military for political mileage, a tactic that is said to be causing growing discontent within the armed forces.
The drone attack on Myanmar is seen by regional observers as part of India’s broader expansionist approach, which they link to the ruling party’s Hindutva-driven ideology and regional dominance ambitions.
This latest move adds to already strained relations India has with several of its neighbors, including Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Strategic analysts warn that such unilateral military actions not only destabilize regional peace but also undermine efforts toward cooperative development in South Asia.
International voices are now urging global institutions to take serious note of India’s escalating aggression. Analysts caution that failure to hold India accountable for such cross-border strikes could push the region toward a larger conflict.
