Why in the News?

The 44th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane highlighted growing regional issues, especially Myanmar’s crisis. Despite ASEAN’s peace efforts, Myanmar’s turmoil persists, testing the group’s commitment to stability.

What are the key challenges facing ASEAN and India in their efforts to stabilize Myanmar?

• Lack of Consensus within ASEAN: ASEAN’s principle of consensus-based decision-making complicates strong, unified responses.
  • Nations like Indonesia and Malaysia advocate for firm action, while others, including Thailand and Laos, maintain closer ties with Myanmar’s military government, slowing decisive actions.
• Failure of the Five-Point Consensus: Despite ASEAN’s efforts to enforce the 2021 Five-Point Consensus, which mandates an end to violence and inclusive dialogue, Myanmar’s military has shown little interest in cooperating, undermining ASEAN’s credibility.
• Exclusion of Key Groups: ASEAN’s initiatives mainly engage the junta without including the National Unity Government (NUG) or Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), limiting the inclusiveness and effectiveness of peace efforts.
• Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: Myanmar’s civil war has led to massive displacement and humanitarian needs, with over 18.6 million people requiring aid.
  • This poses logistical and diplomatic challenges for ASEAN and complicates India’s border security and refugee policies.
• Balancing Regional and Security Concerns for India: India faces a dilemma balancing its Act East Policy objectives and the need for stability on its Myanmar border.
  • Issues such as cross-border militancy, illegal activities, and the refugee crisis strain India’s relations with the junta and impact regional connectivity projects.

How can Inclusive dialogue be achieved among all stakeholders in Myanmar?

• ASEAN must involve non-state actors like the NUG, EAOs, and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) in dialogue efforts to ensure all key groups have a stake in Myanmar’s peace process.
• Thailand’s recent ‘Troika’ proposal to host talks with ASEAN chairs (current, past, and future) and possibly other stakeholders indicates a potential pathway for more flexible discussions, albeit with the need for junta cooperation and broader participant involvement.
• Establishing humanitarian corridors that operate beyond junta-controlled areas, with the cooperation of EAOs, could lay the groundwork for inclusive engagement and build trust among conflicting parties.

What role does India’s Foreign Policy play in addressing the Myanmar crisis? (Way forward)

• Strategic Engagement and Regional Connectivity: Under its Act East Policy, India invests in key infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, linking Myanmar and ASEAN.
• Balanced Relations with Junta and Democracy Advocates: Need to principles of non-interference, India maintains ties with Myanmar’s military and democratic groups, addressing security needs while ethically supporting democratic aspirations.
• As per Gujral Doctrine: India should engage constructively with Myanmar, respecting its sovereignty, promoting regional connectivity, and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders to enhance stability and mutual prosperity.

Mains PYQ:

Q Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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