Note4Students:
India-Myanmar relations have faced increasing challenges following recent decisions by the India to fence the India-Myanmar border. While approaching IR, we usually study neighborhood policies and bilateral relations between the countries. But what we conveniently miss out on is knowing the domestic crisis in the neighbourhood and its impact on India’ bilateral relations. If you look at PYQs, this is one area where UPSC has been constantly asking questions. In light of this, we have analysed India-Myanmar relations in the context of Myanmar Civil War.
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Microthemes & PYQ:
GS 2: Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (2013)
GS 2: India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka the light of the preceding statement.(2022)
Microthemes: Neighbourhood, Bilateral Relations,
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India-Myanmar relations are navigating some rough waters, especially with India’s recent decision to fence the India-Myanmar border due to growing security concerns. This step comes amid ethnic clashes in Manipur and rising instability in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup. Here’s a clear snapshot of where things stand, our shared history, why Myanmar matters strategically to India, key areas of collaboration, and what lies ahead for this complex relationship.
The Crisis in Myanmar: Escalation Since the 2021 Coup
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar intensified internal conflict as the military (Tatmadaw) seized power, detaining leaders of the National League for Democracy (NLD), including Aung San Suu Kyi. This has spurred an armed resistance involving Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), especially in the Chin and Sagaing regions. The junta’s crackdown on dissent has displaced thousands, creating a significant refugee influx in India, particularly affecting Mizoram and Manipur.
Key Figures:
- UN estimates: 18.6 million in need of aid, including 6 million children
- Refugee Influx in India: 54,100 Myanmar nationals, especially in border states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland
HOW DID MYANMAR REACH HERE ?
Since a military coup in 2021, Myanmar is in crisis. A brutal civil war rages between the junta, Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs). Armed resistance groups hold large territories, even controlling six major border trade routes. The junta’s violent suppression has displaced hundreds of thousands, creating a humanitarian emergency. The United Nations estimates 18.6 million people need aid, including 6 million children.
| Phase | Description | Details |
| Parliamentary Democracy Phase | Post-Independence Democratic Setup | Myanmar (formerly Burma) gained independence from British rule in 1948, establishing a parliamentary democracy. |
| First Phase of Military Rule | Military Coup and Dictatorship | In 1962, General Ne Win led a coup, establishing a military dictatorship with the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) as the sole political entity. |
| Phase of Political Conflict within the Military | Internal Military Conflict and Overthrow | In 1988, General Saw Maung seized control, overthrowing the BSPP amid economic decline and corruption, continuing military rule under the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC). |
| Phase of Democratic Transition | Elections and Civilian Governance | In 2010, the SPDC held elections, leading to a quasi-civilian government. Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won the 2015 elections. |
| Current Military Coup and Civilian Armed Struggle | Military Coup in 2021 | The NLD’s landslide victory in the 2020 elections led to concerns within the military (Tatmadaw), which alleged electoral fraud and staged a coup in February 2021, detaining Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders, sparking widespread protests. |
| Anti-Junta Armed Struggle | Resistance and Conflict Escalation | Various Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) intensified resistance, leading to escalating armed conflicts nationwide. |
| Massive Influx of Refugees into India | Humanitarian and Security Challenges | Ongoing conflicts, especially in Myanmar’s Chin and Sagaing regions, have led to a significant refugee influx into Indian states like Mizoram and Manipur, sparking concerns over ethnic clashes, drug trafficking, and smuggling, straining India-Myanmar relations. |
UNRAVELLING INDIA-MYANMAR TIES
- Colonial Era: Both were part of British India until 1935.
- Post-Independence: India and Myanmar signed a Treaty of Friendship in 1951.
- Recent Relations: Myanmar joined India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policies in 2014.
Key Areas of Cooperation
India-Myanmar relations cover diverse sectors, from infrastructure to defense, that are pivotal to India’s regional ambitions and security.
| Area | Details and Examples |
|---|---|
| Trade and Economy | Trade increased from $12.4 million in 1980 to $2.18 billion in 2017; Myanmar benefits from duty-free access for LDCs. |
| Connectivity Projects | Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project; Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo highway; India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway. |
| Defense Cooperation | Joint exercises (IMBEX), Operation Sunrise for border security and counter-insurgency. |
| Multilateral Engagement | ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, leveraging Myanmar’s position to bridge South and Southeast Asia. |
| Humanitarian Aid | Assistance in disasters (Cyclone Mora 2017, COVID-19), development support for agriculture, education. |
Challenges in India-Myanmar Relations
| Challenges | Description | Examples |
| India’s Policy Paradox on Myanmar Coup | India faces a dilemma between supporting democracy and addressing internal security concerns. India engages with the junta to control insurgent groups, yet supports federal democracy in Myanmar. | Balancing relations with the Myanmar military for border security while promoting democratic governance. |
| Misuse of Free Movement Regime | The Free Movement Regime is exploited by militants and criminals for smuggling weapons, contraband, and counterfeit currency. | Cross-border illegal trade, weapons smuggling, and movement of fake Indian currency. |
| Refugee Influx | Violence in Myanmar has led over 54,100 Myanmar nationals to seek refuge in Indian states, raising security concerns. | Influx of refugees in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. |
| Northeast Insurgency and Drug Menace | The Myanmar-China border harbors local armed groups and Indian insurgents; Myanmar’s Golden Triangle is notorious for drug trafficking. | Activities of ULFA (Assam), NSCN (Nagaland), and the Golden Triangle drug trade. |
| China’s Inroads in Myanmar | China’s influence grows through investments in Myanmar’s infrastructure and economy, increasing its regional presence. | China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and investments in Myanmar’s infrastructure. |
| Delays in Regional Connectivity Projects | Prolonged delays in connectivity projects have weakened trust between India and Myanmar. | Kaladan Multimodal Connectivity Project facing extended completion delays. |
The Path Forward: India’s Strategy
To navigate the complex dynamics with Myanmar, India can adopt a balanced approach emphasizing diplomacy, security, and regional connectivity:
- Support for Democracy and Human Rights: India should advocate for democratic restoration, supporting ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus while ensuring stability in Myanmar.
- Engagement with Multiple Stakeholders: Diplomatic outreach to all factions in Myanmar, including ethnic groups, can foster stability and strengthen India’s role as a mediator.
- Leveraging Regional Platforms: Partnering with ASEAN and other regional bodies will enhance peace efforts and foster broader cooperation for stability in Myanmar.
- Accelerating Infrastructure Projects: India must expedite connectivity projects, especially the Kaladan and Trilateral Highways, to solidify its presence and improve trust.
- Strengthening Security Measures: Coordinated efforts on intelligence-sharing and border security are vital to counter insurgencies and manage migration issues.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Solidarity: Demonstrating support through aid programs, particularly in health and education, strengthens India’s rapport with Myanmar’s people and aids regional stability.
Conclusion
India-Myanmar relations are at a crossroads, impacted by the Myanmar crisis, regional security, and the strategic rivalry with China. By promoting inclusive development, counter-insurgency measures, and democratic support, India can effectively balance its regional interests and its commitment to stability in Myanmar. These steps will not only fortify bilateral ties but will also position India as a significant player in Southeast Asia’s future, embodying its Act East vision.
BACK2BASICS
Significance of Myanmar for India
| Significance | Description | Examples |
| Geo-strategic Importance | Myanmar serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and supports the development of Northeast India. It is a key pillar of India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East” policies. | Development of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) trilateral highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport (KMMTT) corridor. |
| Tackling Insurgency in Northeast | Myanmar’s cooperation is crucial to control insurgent groups, such as ISCN-K and ISCN-IM, which have bases inside Myanmar. | Myanmar’s collaboration in controlling Naga insurgency. |
| Countering China | Myanmar plays a strategic role in countering China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia. | India’s development of the Sittwe port in Myanmar’s Rakhine state as a counter to China’s Kyaukpyu port. |
| Reduction of Illegal Migration | A stable Myanmar helps mitigate illegal migration of Rohingya and Chin communities into India. | Stabilizing regional migration flows to limit illegal migration to India. |
| Cultural Ties | Shared Buddhist heritage strengthens cultural bonds between India and Myanmar. | Buddhism as the majority religion in Myanmar, linking cultural roots with India. |
