Burmese delegation attends military expo

Sources say a Burmese delegation is reportedly attending seminars on new weapons technology and meeting prospective arms trading partners as well as negotiating future arms contracts.

 The DEFEXPO, February 16 to 19, is being attended by 475 companies from 45 countries cross the globe, each showcasing their defence products, according to the Indian Defence Exhibition Organization, the main sponsor of the fair.

While the size of the Burmese delegation is unconfirmed, Aung Myo Min, who did not want to reveal his position in the government, said he is leading the team with fellow delegate Aung Myint.

"More of our friends are joining us later, as of now only two of us have arrived," Aung Myo Min told Mizzima on Saturday.

The DEFEXPO's relations officer added, "Only two official delegates are registered with us but others will be joining as unofficial delegates to the fair."

While details of negotiations between the Burmese team and arms companies are unknown, the delegates are believed to be capitalizing on the opportunity to expand its trading partners and negotiate for the future supply of military hardware.

Amnesty International, which revealed India's secret supply of defence equipment to Burma's military junta in a report last year, said India, which claims to be supporting democratic reforms in Burma, should not give a platform to the junta to expand its contacts with military hardware producing companies.

"India should stop all relationships with Burma in regard to the supplying of arms and military hardware, including the participation of Burmese delegates at the DEFEXPO," says Mukul Sharma, director of Amnesty International in India.

Meanwhile Russia, one of Burma's closest allies, which reportedly supplies military hardware to the junta and has signed a contract to develop a nuclear reactor in Burma, said it will not rule out any possible negotiations with Burma.

"We will deal with anyone who is interested in our products," an executive at the Shmel showroom said.

The executive, though, declined to elaborate on any ongoing negotiations with the Burmese team.

The Shmel company, which produces a flame throwing rocket, is one of several Russian companies showcasing their products, under Rosoboron export State Corporation, Russian, at the fair.

However China, one of Burma's biggest arms suppliers, reportedly declined an invitation to the fair, which is conducted biennially.