New Delhi: The Myanmar Junta has condemned the India-US joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden on June 22 for mentioning the “deteriorating situation” in Myanmar.India shares a border that is longer than 1,600 km with Myanmar, which is currently witnessing large-scale violence and chaos following public unrest against the ruling military Junta for abrogating democracy after an election.The India-US joint statement said, “The leaders expressed deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, and called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, the establishment of constructive dialogue, and the transition of Myanmar towards an inclusive federal democratic system.”The joint statement comes close on the heels of the US imposing sanctions on two Myanmarese banks and the country’s defence ministry. The banks – Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank – are being used by the Junta to procure arms, the US government alleged.Also Read: Indian PSU Sold Arms, Equipment Worth Over $5 Million to Myanmar Junta in 6 Month Period: ReportReacting to the June 22 joint statement, Myanmar’s foreign ministry claimed it had detained no one against the law. “The foreign ministry seeks understanding, support and constructive cooperation of the international community to the government’s efforts to build a union based on democracy and federalism as well as condemnation of terrorism in all its forms to ensure peace and stability and development in Myanmar,” the ministry statement said. A news report in The Irrawaddy, however, highlighted that the regime had “imposed death sentences on over 150 people.”“But the statement (of the foreign ministry) said it granted amnesty for 62,818 inmates and commuted 59 death sentences to life imprisonment. The commutation of 38 death sentences to life imprisonment took place ahead of the Chinese foreign affairs minister’s visit in May to Naypyitaw. Observers said the moves were to placate Beijing,” the report said. The report also highlighted the government arresting around 100 people for wearing flowers to show support for Aung San Suu Kyi on her birthday this past June 19. The Irrawaddy also underlined that though India expressed “deep concern” on Myanmar’s deteriorating situation, “India is one of the few governments maintaining relations with the regime. It has offered to assist in an election proposed by the Junta, which Western countries have dismissed as a sham.”India also took part in recent informal talks held with the Junta by Thailand in Pattaya of ASEAN foreign ministers. That meeting spearheaded by the outgoing Thai regime of Prayut Cha-Ocha turned controversial with some ASEAN members including the current chair, Indonesia, refusing to attend it. The current Thai government is seen as close to Myanmar’s Junta-led government.