The United States said Friday it hopes India sends "a clear message" regarding human rights when Burma's military leader visits New Delhi.
A delegation including Burma's senior general, Than Shwe, is expected to be in India for meetings next week.
U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said India should let Burma know that "it needs to change its course."
He said Burma's ruling military government needs to be told that it should "constructively engage its opposition and other ethnic groups within Burma."
He also said Burma has a responsibility to protect "the region against the risk of proliferation."
Than Shwe is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit.