India-Myanmar Relations Amidst Evolving Situation in Myanmar

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: TH

Context: The conflict between ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) and the military junta in Myanmar has created a serious humanitarian crisis, which the United Nations Security Council took up for discussion on July 3.

Background of the crisis:

The crisis in Myanmar originated primarily from the military’s seizure of power in a coup on February 1, 2021. The military, known as the Tatmadaw, detained civilian leaders including Aung San Suu Kyi and declared a state of emergency. This action reversed a tentative transition towards democracy that had begun in 2011. The coup sparked widespread protests across Myanmar, met with severe military crackdowns resulting in significant civilian casualties. Ethnic armed groups, long in conflict with the military, intensified resistance efforts, leading to a complex humanitarian crisis with implications for regional stability and international relations.

Fig: Myanmar: Arrow shows Refugees escaping from Myanmar

India- Myanmar relationship:

Dimension | Examples and Details

Geopolitical Importance | Myanmar serves as a land bridge linking India’s northeastern states to Southeast Asia, facilitating regional connectivity. Also, India’s engagement with Myanmar counters China’s influence in the region.

Strategic Significance | Developments in Myanmar impact neighbouring countries including China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India.

Neighbourhood First Policy: India prioritizes Myanmar in its diplomatic initiatives.

Act East Policy: Myanmar is pivotal in India’s efforts to enhance ties with the Asia-Pacific region

Areas of Collaborative Cooperation | Trade: India is Myanmar’s fifth-largest trading partner, focusing on sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy.

Energy Cooperation: Significant investments in Myanmar’s oil and gas sector support India’s energy security

Infrastructure Projects: Projects like Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway promote connectivity and trade

Defense Partnership: Joint military exercises and training initiatives strengthen defence ties.

Capacity Building Measures | India has extended USD 2 billion in soft loans and supports Myanmar’s educational and agricultural research institutions. India provides timely aid during crises such as natural disasters and health emergencies.

Cultural Connectivity | Shared Buddhist heritage and historical ties foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange.

Indian Diaspora: A significant Indian-origin population contributes to Myanmar’s economy through businesses and investments.

Issues between the two countries:

• India suspended Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar: India’s suspension of the Free Movement regime (FMR) was prompted by security concerns such as insurgent activities, trafficking, and mass immigration from Myanmar, which posed risks to national security. This measure restricts the movement of refugees seeking safety and asylum in India.

• Internal Security Threats: The India-Myanmar border is porous and poorly guarded, situated in a remote, insurgency-prone area close to opium-producing regions. This vulnerability has been exploited by terrorist and insurgent groups from India’s northeastern states, who have established camps in Myanmar.

• China’s Influence: China’s substantial economic influence in Myanmar poses a challenge for India, impacting bilateral relations.

• Delays in joint infrastructure projects and the Rohingya crisis further strain ties, reflecting broader security and humanitarian concerns.

Conclusion:

Amidst challenges like regional security threats and China’s influence, India must pursue strategic diplomacy, accelerate joint infrastructure projects, and enhance security cooperation to mitigate tensions and promote stability in the region.

Also, there are compelling reasons to reconsider this suspension. Reinstating FMR could provide immediate humanitarian relief to affected communities and enhance India’s reputation as a responsible regional power committed to humanitarian principles.

Insta Links:

• India-Myanmar relations

Mains Links:

• Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC 2020)

Prelims Links:

Q.In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants? (UPSC 2015)

• Bangladesh

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 5

Ans: C