Myanmar crisis: India expresses concern

"We have noted the developments in Myanmar with deep concern," Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

"India has always been steadfast in its support to the process of democratic transition in Myanmar. We believe that the rule of law and the democratic process must be upheld. We are monitoring the situation closely," read the statement.

The US government has expressed concern over the political developments in Myanmar.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement: "The United States expresses grave concern and alarm regarding reports that the Burmese military has detained multiple civilian government leaders, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, and civil society leaders."

"We call on Burmese military leaders to release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people of Burma as expressed in democratic elections on November 8," it said.

"The United States stands with the people of Burma in their aspirations for democracy, freedom, peace, and development. The military must reverse these actions immediately," he said.

Myanmar’s military announced a state of emergency in the country for the period of one year after the detention of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as President Win Myint and other members of the ruling party, the Xinhua news agency reports.

The state of emergency was announced on the military-owned Myawady TV in a declaration signed by First Vice President U Myint Swe, who will now be serving as Myanmar’s acting president, Xinhua said.

According to the declaration, state power is being handed over to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing.

Earlier on Monday, western media reported that State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained along with other members of the ruling National League for Democracy party in an early morning military raid.