The fencing-free movement between India and Myanmar stands as a critical focal point in their bilateral relations. The porous border that stretches over 1600 kilometers has historically allowed for informal cross-border activities, fostering cultural ties but also posing challenges in terms of security and illegal movements. The editorial analysis reveals that the decision to maintain a fencing-free movement reflects a delicate balance between preserving cultural and economic linkages and addressing security concerns. While promoting people-to-people connectivity and trade, both nations must collaborate to enhance border management strategies, leveraging technology and intelligence-sharing to curb illicit activities. Striking this balance becomes crucial in fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, acknowledging historical ties while adapting to contemporary security imperatives in the region.
Tag: GS-2 IR
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A recent article explores the present challenges in diplomatic relations between India and Myanmar, analyzing the existing difficulties and suggesting possible solutions.
Significance of India-Myanmar Relationship
Geopolitical Importance
- Gateway to Southeast Asia
- Myanmar serves as a land bridge connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia.
- Proximity to India’s northeastern states establishes a strategic link, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Bay of Bengal Connectivity
- Maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal fosters economic and strategic collaboration.
- Regional Power Balancing
- Strengthens India’s position in the region, countering potential power imbalances from other major players.
- Strategic Significance
- Strategically Significant Neighbourhood
- Developments in Myanmar impact neighboring countries.
- Aligned with India’s “Neighborhood First” policy.
- Act East Policy
- Integral to India’s diplomatic initiative aimed at fostering relations in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Multilateral Engagement:
- Myanmar’s memberships in regional organizations add regional dimensions to bilateral relations.
Areas of Collaborative Cooperation
- Bilateral Trade
- India ranks as Myanmar’s fifth-largest trading partner, focusing on agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy.
- Energy Cooperation
- Myanmar crucial for India’s energy security, with significant investments in the oil and gas sector.
- Investment in Infrastructure
- Projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- Strategic Defense Partnership
- Close defense ties, including joint exercises and capacity building.
- Capacity Building Measures
- Developmental assistance, support in disaster risk mitigation, and humanitarian aid.
- Cultural Connectivity
- Shared Buddhist heritage and colonial history strengthen cultural ties.
Key Issues in India-Myanmar Relationship
Internal Security Concerns
- Vulnerable Borders
- Porous border exploited by insurgent groups, impacting the northeastern region.
- Free Movement Regime (FMR)
- Considerations to terminate FMR due to unintended consequences.
- Triangular Power Struggle
- Ongoing internal strife after the military coup poses challenges.
- Rohingya Crisis
- Humanitarian and human rights issues strain bilateral relations.
- Infrastructure Project Delays
- Prolonged delays in collaborative projects affect trust.
- China’s Influence
- Challenges in mitigating China’s influence in Myanmar.
The Way Forward
Strategic Diplomacy
- Better Regulation of FMR
- Manage movement effectively while preserving cross-border connections.
- Engage with Multiple Stakeholders
- Balance relations with the military government while involving various stakeholders.
- Balancing China’s Influence
- Engage in strategic partnerships to counterbalance China’s influence.
Collaborative Instruments
- Promote Two-way Trade
- Diversify trade relations and explore opportunities for Myanmar to export more to India.
- Accelerate Infrastructure Projects
- Ensure timely completion of joint projects for enhanced connectivity.
- Enhanced Security Cooperation
- Collaborate on counterinsurgency measures and intelligence-sharing.
Facilitate Track II Diplomacy
- Utilize Cultural Exchange
- Foster people-to-people ties and educational collaborations.
- Organize Peace Conclaves
- Consider organizing a Peace Assembly to address human rights issues in Myanmar.
Conclusion
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.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2015) Q. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants? 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 (2020) Q. Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan borders including the Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. |
Source: TH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ: Why is there a push for fencing-free movement between India and Myanmar?
Answer: The promotion of fencing-free movement aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between India and Myanmar, fostering people-to-people connectivity and facilitating trade. It recognizes the historical linkages between the two nations and seeks to balance these ties with contemporary security needs.
FAQ: How does the fencing-free movement impact border security?
Answer: While promoting cultural and economic exchanges, the fencing-free movement also raises concerns about security challenges, including illegal movements and trafficking. Striking the right balance is crucial, requiring collaborative efforts between India and Myanmar to enhance border management strategies and adopt technological solutions for effective surveillance.
FAQ: What challenges does the porous India-Myanmar border pose for both countries?
Answer: The porous nature of the border, spanning over 1600 kilometers, historically allowed informal cross-border activities. While fostering cultural ties, it also posed challenges related to security, illegal movements, and smuggling. Managing these challenges is essential to ensure a harmonious relationship between the two nations.
FAQ: How can technology play a role in addressing the security concerns of a fencing-free movement?
Answer: Technology can play a pivotal role in addressing security concerns by implementing advanced surveillance systems, drones, and other monitoring tools. Collaboration between India and Myanmar to share intelligence and implement technology-driven solutions can enhance border management and help curb illicit activities.
FAQ: What measures are being considered to maintain a balance between preserving cultural ties and addressing security imperatives?
Answer: Both nations are exploring comprehensive border management strategies that leverage technology and intelligence-sharing. This includes increased coordination between security forces, the use of surveillance technologies, and implementing measures to control and monitor cross-border activities. The goal is to strike a balance that preserves historical ties while adapting to contemporary security imperatives in the region.
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