Burma's military crackdown on protesters continued this week with reports that Win Shwe, a member of opposition leader's Aung San Suu Kyi 's National League for Democracy, had died in custody,

The United Nations Security Council is pushing for a statement condemning the junta, but China is insisting on moderating the language. India has joined the calls of the international community for Burma's generals to release Aung San Suu Kyi, but as one of Burma's largest trading partners, on the subject of sanctions, India is remaining silent.

One person [who] is upset about that stand is former Indian Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee. Speaking from New Delhi, Mr Sorabjee said it's a great shame that the world's largest democracy is not putting more pressure on the generals.

Edmund Roy: Soli Sorabjee, welcome to the program.

Soli Sorabjee, Former Indian Attorney-General: Thank you.

Edmund Roy: China says it doesn't support sanctions against Burma. What's India's position?

Soli Sorabjee: I'm very sorry to say that I read in the morning paper that India's taking the same line. Though whatever may be the utility of sanctions or otherwise, I'm sorely disappointed that India hasn't taken a strong stand. It must express its public disapproval if not condemnation about what's happening in Burma. You can't remain silent while human rights are being suppressed over a period of time. There's complete suppression of democratic values and democratic norms. And that [is] also the neighbouring country.

Edmund Roy: But does New Delhi have any leverage on the Burmese regime?

Soli Sorabjee: Well, not really, not leverage. [The] only country, which has leverage, I suppose, is China. Even America hasn't got much of leverage except for making sounds of moral indignation. But surely, it can at least support the movement which is going on for restoration [of] democracy. It can have other leverage though, I suppose as well as other - what should I say - trade concessions, or visa facilities and other things … I'm not advocating military intervention, that's out of the question. I'm not saying also there should be severs of diplomatic ties, but not this sort of muted noises and these sort of innocuous statements. I've been very, very upset that India, which is one time leader, looked upon as a leader where democracy and human rights are suppressed, should take this stand. If Nehru were here, he would have thundered.

Edmund Roy: What do you think is behind India's stand? India has oil interests in Burma; it plans to start a new trade pact in the next few weeks. Is that why it's against sanctions?

”Ask them to make a real effort to restore democracy.”

Soli Sorabjee: Yes, yes. I'm afraid that is so, that is what they call the economic and strategic interests - more than the trade agreements. I suppose one fact which weighs with the establishment here and which the military supports as well - one would expect the military to do because they're not sensitive to human rights - is that the Burmese give India a lot of help in checking infiltration into India from the border across India. Maybe, that's why I said, don't snap off ties, but please exert yourself. Ask them to make a real effort to restore democracy and the first thing demanded should be release her, Aung San Suu Kyi. Release her and stop this violence against non-violent demonstrators.

And release also those who have been arrested arbitrarily in the middle of the night. These are nothing but fascist methods.

Edmund Roy: What is the feeling on the streets of New Delhi? Do most Indians support the pro-democracy movement in Burma?

Soli Sorabjee: Well, those who think, who are politically inclined, and certainly there's supporters, but human rights, suppression of human rights in India to an average Indian on the streets looks a bit remote. They're not that much involved, they're not that much enraged. But the thinking class are, the intellectuals are and every human rights activist that I know of is appalled at what's happening in Burma.

Edmund Roy: There are now some moves internationally to put pressure on oil companies that are now working in Burma. Would you like that to be extended to Indian companies working in Burma as well?

”We must do something…Otherwise it's a very ruthless regime>”

Soli Sorabjee: Yes, I would like to but that won't be feasible, frankly. I don't think that will work realistically. But we must try every avenue, every move, which surely pinches this military junta. They won't be bothered about those vocal declarations and those denunciations. We must do something; something must be done which surely pinches them. Otherwise it's a very ruthless regime as we have seen it. Look at the way they behaved recently.

Edmund Roy: You mentioned Nehru earlier, how do you think Indian position on international affairs is viewed these days?

Soli Sorabjee: Not the same high regard which [it] had when Nehru was at the helm of affairs. And when he spoke out in 1954 at Dien Bien Phu, Indochina and other matters.

Edmund Roy: It has lost some credibility, do you think?

Soli Sorabjee: I won't say lost credibility but it hasn't got the same weight, if I may say so.

Edmund Roy: Soli Sorabjee, thank you for joining us on Asia Pacific Focus.