India-Myanmar Ties: Fencing The Free Movement

This editorial is based on “ Finding light in Myanmar’s darkness” which was published in The Hindu on
01/02/2024. The article delves into the contemporary difficulties in the diplomatic ties between India and
Myanmar, examining the current challenges and proposing potential solutions.

For Prelims: Free Movement Regime (FMR), Act East Policy, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, India-Myanmar-Thailand
Trilateral Highway, Project Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, India-Myanmar Bilateral Army
Exercise, The Sittwe port.

For Mains: Significance of India-Myanmar Relationship, Key Issues in the India-Myanmar Relationship.

In a recent development, the Indian Home Minister has unveiled the decision to fence the entire length of
the India-Myanmar border to stop the free movement of people. This decision aims to curtail the
unhindered movement of people across the 1,643 km border, traversing states such as Manipur, Mizoram,
Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

The current Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar is under review as part of this
initiative. While the fencing proposal is ostensibly rooted in security concerns, it is anticipated to face
opposition and potentially generate adverse effects on the bilateral ties between the two nations.

What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR) on the India-Myanmar Border?

About: The FMR is a mutually agreed arrangement between the two countries that allows tribes
living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without
a visa. It was implemented in 2018 as part of the Indian government’s Act East policy.
Rationale: The partition of the India-Myanmar border traces back to 1826 when British colonial
rulers demarcated the boundary without considering the opinions of the local inhabitants. The
demarcation has resulted in the division of people who share strong ethnic and familial bonds
across the border.
Significance: In addition to fostering people-to-people interactions, the Free Movement Regime
(FMR) was envisioned to boost local trade and business activities. The area has a rich tradition of
cross-border commerce facilitated by customs and border haats.

//
Why the India-Myanmar Relationship is Significant?

Geopolitical Importance:

Gateway to Southeast Asia: Myanmar serves as a land bridge connecting South Asia to
Southeast Asia. The proximity of Myanmar to India's northeastern states establishes a strategic
link and facilitates regional connectivity.
Bay of Bengal Connectivity: The maritime boundary shared by India and Myanmar in the Bay of
Bengal enhances opportunities for maritime cooperation, fostering economic and strategic
collaboration
Regional Power Balancing: Given the geopolitical complexities in the region, a strong
relationship with Myanmar helps India avoid any potential regional power imbalances that could
arise from the influence of other major players. India's proactive engagement with Myanmar
serves as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region

Strategic Significance:

Strategically Significant Neighbourhood: Myanmar is a large multi-ethnic nation, located in a

strategically significant neighbourhood. The developments within the nation have repercussions for
its five neighboring countries: China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India.
Neighbourhood First Policy: The approach towards Myanmar under India's "Neighborhood
First" policy underscores the significance of cultivating a robust, cooperative, and mutually
advantageous association.
Act East Policy: Myanmar is a key component of India's Act East Policy, a diplomatic initiative
aimed at fostering economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region.
 Multilateral Engagement: Myanmar's membership of SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and Mekong
Ganga Cooperation has introduced a regional dimension to bilateral relations and imparted added
significance in the context of India’s "Act East" policy.

Areas of Collaborative Cooperation:

Bilateral Trade: India ranks as Myanmar's fifth-largest trading partner, registering bilateral trade
at USD 1.03 billion in 2021-22.
Both nations seek to enhance bilateral trade, creating economic opportunities for industries
in areas like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and energy
Energy Cooperation: Myanmar holds significance for India's energy security. With an energy
portfolio of over USD 1.2 billion, Myanmar is the largest recipient of India's investment in the oil
and gas sector in Southeast Asia.
Investment in Infrastructure: Infrastructure projects, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit
Transport Project and the Sittwe Port, aim to boost connectivity, trade, and investment.
Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project: The project aims to connect the
eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe port in Myanmar by sea.

India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project: The project aims to establish a

road link between the three nations, with the highway beginning in Moreh in India’s
Manipur state, passing through Myanmar, and ending at Mae Sot in Thailand.

Strategic Defense Partnership: India and Myanmar maintain a close defense partnership, with
India providing military training and conducting joint exercises with the Myanmar Army.
India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise (IMBAX) is aimed at building and promoting
closer relations with armies.

Capacity Building Measures:

Developmental assistance: India has extended USD 2 billion in soft loans. It has offered to help
Myanmar with developmental assistance in the areas it wants rather than be prescriptive.
India is also providing assistance in setting up institutions for higher learning and research,
namely the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural
Research and Education, etc.
India also offered to provide support in capacity building in disaster risk mitigation as well
as in strengthening Myanmar's National Disaster Response Mechanism.
Humanitarian Assistance: India's humanitarian assistance to Myanmar during crises, such as
providing COVID-19-related aid, demonstrates the strength of bilateral relations and reflects a
commitment to regional well-being.
India has responded promptly and effectively in rendering assistance following natural
calamities in Myanmar like Cyclone Mora (2017), Komen (2015), and the earthquake in
Shan State (2010).

Cultural Connectivity:

Cultural and Historical Ties: India and Myanmar share cultural ties in terms of Buddhist
heritage and shared history of colonialism. These ties form a foundation for stronger diplomatic
relations and mutual understanding.
Indian Diaspora: People of Indian Origin in Myanmar constitute about 4 % of the total population
of the country. The Indian diaspora plays a vital role in Myanmar's economy through business
 ventures, trade, and investments.

What are the Key Issues in the India-Myanmar Relationship?

Internal Security Concern:

India - Myanmar border is highly porous, poorly guarded, and located along a remote,
underdeveloped, insurgency-prone region and proximate to an opium-producing area.
This vulnerability has been exploited by terrorist organizations and insurgent
groups operating in the northeastern region of India. Instances include the supply of
trained personnel and the trafficking of arms through this porous border.
Indian rebel groups from the northeast had established camps in Myanmar's border villages
and towns.
According to a paper published by Anuradha Oinam of the Centre for Land Warfare
Studies (CLAWS), several insurgent groups such as the United National Liberation
Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the United Liberation Front of Assam
(ULFA), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), and small groups of Kukis
and Zomis have built camps in Sagaing Division, Kachin State, and Chin State (in
Myanmar).
The Free Movement Regime (FMR): The Indian government is considering terminating the
Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar.
While advantageous for the local population and instrumental in enhancing Indo-Myanmar
relations, it has faced past criticism for inadvertently facilitating issues such as illegal
immigration, drug trafficking, and arms trade.
Triangular Power Struggle in Myanmar: Three years post a military coup that stripped
Myanmar of its modest democratic gains, the country remains entangled in internal strife.
‘Sick Man of Southeast Asia’: Myanmar perceives no signs of improvement, with the
military regime, political entities, and ethnic organizations perpetuating the cycle of violent
conflict. This civil unrest appears to offer little prospect of a decisive triumph for any party
involved.
Civil Liberty Index: Myanmar has been assigned a score of 0 in the civil liberty index,
which measures the extent to which citizens enjoy civil liberties.
China’s Influence: China is Myanmar’s largest investor as well as the biggest trading partner.
China has solidified its influence in Myanmar not only through economic ties and trade
but also by leveraging soft power, particularly through significant infrastructure projects.
The task of mitigating Chinese influence within Myanmar has proven challenging for India.
Infrastructure Project Delays: Over time, a growing trust deficit has emerged in India-Myanmar
relations, attributed to India's reputation for consistently prolonging the implementation of diverse
projects.
The prolonged delays in the timely execution of collaborative infrastructure
projects, notably the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sittwe port,
crucial for bolstering connectivity, have become impediments to fostering economic
cooperation.
Rohingya Crisis: The Rohingya crisis is a humanitarian and human rights tragedy that has
strained the relations between India and Myanmar. They have fled to neighboring countries,
especially Bangladesh and India, seeking refuge.
India has cited security concerns, such as the alleged links between some Rohingya and
terrorist groups, as well as the burden on its resources and social harmony, as the reasons
for its stance
What Should be the Way Forward?

Strategic Diplomacy:

Better Regulation of Free Movement Regime: FMR should effectively manage movement
while preserving cross-border connections. Upgrading infrastructure and formalizing trade at
specified entry points could alleviate certain adverse effects.
Considering the interests of the local population, neither the outright removal of the FMR
nor the complete fencing of the border might be preferable.
Engage with Multiple Stakeholders: India should maintain a delicate balance by nurturing
amicable relations with the military government while expanding avenues for involvement with
various stakeholders who support democracy.
Balancing China's Influence: While respecting Myanmar's sovereignty, India should engage in
strategic partnerships and economic collaborations to balance China's influence in the region. Joint
projects and initiatives can be pursued to reinforce India's role.

Utilize Collaborative Instruments:

Promote Two-way Trade: Address the trade imbalance by diversifying trade relations and
exploring opportunities for Myanmar to export more to India. Encourage investments and explore
sectors beyond traditional areas of collaboration.
The Government of India has proposed to invest USD 6 billion to build a petroleum refinery
project in Myanmar’s Thanlyn region near Yangon.
Accelerate Infrastructure Projects: Ensure timely completion of joint infrastructure
projects, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sittwe port. This will
boost connectivity and economic cooperation, benefiting both nations.
Enhanced Security Cooperation: Collaborate on counterinsurgency measures to address the
challenges posed by insurgent groups along the border. Intelligence-sharing and joint operations
can strengthen security in the region.

Facilitate Track II Diplomacy:

Utilize Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural and people-to-people ties to strengthen the
historical and cultural bond between the two nations. Exchange programs, joint cultural events,
and educational collaborations can contribute to mutual understanding.
Building on this shared heritage, India is undertaking some key initiatives in the restoration
of the Ananda Temple in Bagan and the repair and conservation of a large number of
damaged pagodas.
 Organize Peace Conclaves: India may contemplate organizing a Peace Assembly, bringing
together senior officials and informed citizens from the Quad member states and the ASEAN
Troika, represented by Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia.
This assembly could impartially assess the human rights issues in Myanmar,
formulate a comprehensive plan, and extend practical support for progressing toward
security and stability.
The assembly may emphasize the urgent release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from unjustified
solitary confinement, given her pivotal role in unlocking the potential for a more promising
future for the region.

Conclusion

India has a lot to gain from Myanmar and a lot to give to Myanmar as well. This reciprocal dynamic forms
the bedrock of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Progressing along these trajectories,
India and Myanmar have the potential to shape a forward-looking alliance by actively engaging in
collaborative efforts while underscoring their commitment to regional peace and stability.

Drishti Mains Question:

Examine the challenges within the bilateral relationship between India and Myanmar. Suggest measures.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

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

1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand

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

Mains:

Q. 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. (2020)
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