Introduction
Myanmar, a gateway to Southeast Asia, is a vital trade partner for India and a significant ally in combating extremism and insurgency.
Since gaining independence in 1948, Myanmar has been under near absolute military control, even during the democratic reforms of 2008.
Understanding India's response to Myanmar's military rule requires examining historical, strategic, and geopolitical factors.
Historical Context
Post-Independence Relations: Myanmar and India were close allies in the Non-Aligned Movement in the 1950s. However, following Myanmar's silence during the Indo-Chinese conflict of 1962, the relationship cooled.
1988 Crackdown: India aligned with pro-democracy forces in Myanmar following the 1988 crackdown by the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's armed forces). This period saw India granting asylum to Burmese activists and condemning the junta's human rights violations.
Shift in the 1990s: The BJP-led government in the late 1990s shifted India’s approach towards engaging with the Tatmadaw, recognizing the military's enduring influence in Myanmar. This pragmatic approach aimed to promote India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia.
Strategic Considerations
Border Security: The Indo-Burmese border is characterized by insurgencies and delicate national sentiments. Groups like the Chins of Myanmar and the Mizos of Mizoram share strong ethnic ties, necessitating a nuanced approach.
Free Movement Regime: A unique arrangement allows residents to cross the border for up to 14 days without a visa, facilitating social and economic interactions.
Insurgency Cooperation: India and Myanmar have cooperated on anti-insurgency initiatives, trade deals, and infrastructure projects. The cooperation has led to a decline in insurgency in India's Northeast region.
Economic and Trade Relations
Act East Policy: Myanmar is crucial to India's Act East policy, providing increased connectivity to Northeast India and facilitating trade with Southeast Asia. Key projects include the trilateral highway to Thailand and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTT).
Energy and Investments: India has invested significantly in Myanmar's energy sector, including a $6 billion petroleum refinery near Yangon. Instability in Myanmar threatens these investments and vital infrastructure projects.
Geopolitical Dynamics
China's Influence: China is Myanmar's largest investor and a crucial partner, accounting for 42% of foreign investment between 1988 and 2013. Beijing's deep pockets and strategic initiatives, such as the One Belt One Road project, give it significant leverage.
Balancing Relations: India must maintain good relations with Myanmar to counter Chinese influence and protect its strategic interests. The Tatmadaw's suspicions of China offer India an opportunity to strengthen ties with Myanmar's military.
Current Scenario of India-Myanmar Relations
Humanitarian Concerns: Despite India's reluctance to embrace refugees from Myanmar, there has been a steady influx of people into Mizoram following the coup. India's response has been influenced by the sentiments of its Northeastern states, which have strong cultural ties with Myanmar.
Diplomatic Tightrope: India has taken a measured approach to the coup, condemning violence but not explicitly criticizing the Tatmadaw. This strategy reflects India's need to balance its strategic interests with humanitarian concerns.
Border Security
Cultural Ties and Challenges: The Indo-Burmese border is characterized by insurgencies and delicate national sentiment. Groups like the Chins of Myanmar and the Mizos of Mizoram share strong ethnic ties, necessitating a nuanced approach. Villages such as Longwa are situated in both Indian and Burmese territory.
Free Movement Regime: A unique arrangement allows residents to cross the border for up to 14 days without a visa, facilitating social and economic interactions. People from Myanmar regularly visit India for work and medical care, and children cross the border unrestricted to attend school.
Insurgency and Military Cooperation
Combatting Insurgency: The North East states of India have been conflict-ridden since Independence, exacerbated by the presence of insurgent groups along the Indo-Bangladeshi and Indo-Burmese borders. Several extremist and separatist groups operate out of Myanmar, crossing into India via the porous border.
Military Cooperation: General Hlaing, who led the coup in Myanmar, has visited India on two occasions, including in 2019, when the countries signed an MoU on defence cooperation. In 2020, the Myanmar military handed over a group of 22 insurgents active in Assam to the Indian government.
Act East Policy and Economic Investments
Infrastructure Projects: Key projects under the Act East policy include the trilateral highway to Thailand and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTT). The Sittwe port in Myanmar’s Rakhine state is part of a larger plan to create a Special Economic Zone in Rakhine and boost India’s presence in the strategically important Bay of Bengal.
Energy Partnerships: India has a deeply integrated energy partnership with Myanmar and has invested in various oil and gas partnerships, including a $6 billion petroleum refinery near Yangon. Instability in Myanmar threatens these investments and vital infrastructure projects.
Geopolitical Dynamics with China
China's Dominance: China is Myanmar's largest investor, accounting for 42% of foreign investment between 1988 and 2013. Chinese investment in Myanmar has increased rapidly over the last two decades, making Beijing the largest investor in the country.
Strategic Concerns: China's influence in Myanmar is a significant concern for India, especially regarding security and regional stability. Beijing's deep pockets and strategic initiatives, such as the One Belt One Road project, give it significant leverage in Myanmar.
Conclusion
India's response to military rule in Myanmar is shaped by historical ties, strategic interests, and geopolitical dynamics. The complex relationship requires balancing economic cooperation, border security, and regional influence, particularly concerning China's growing presence in Myanmar.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Importance for Competitive Exams
Understanding India's response to military rule in Myanmar is crucial for candidates preparing for UPSC CAPF, Assistant Commandant, Essay writing, UPSC, and other competitive exams. The topic covers key areas such as international relations, strategic policies, and geopolitical dynamics, which are essential for exam preparation. Insights into India's Act East policy, border security, and economic investments provide a comprehensive understanding of the country's foreign policy.
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