The free movement regime stands as a cornerstone of modern globalization, facilitating the movement of goods, services, capital, and most crucially, people, across national borders. It embodies the principle of mobility, enabling individuals to pursue opportunities, reunite with loved ones, and seek refuge from adversity. Enshrined in various international agreements and regional blocs, such as the European Union’s Schengen Area, this regime fosters economic integration, cultural exchange, and social cohesion. However, its implementation raises complex questions regarding sovereignty, security, and socio-economic disparities, prompting ongoing debates and policy adjustments to balance freedom with responsibility in an ever-changing world.
Tags: GS – 2, India and its Neighbourhood- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests
For Prelims: Free Movement Regime, Issues in Myanmar, Treaty of Yandaboo, India’s Act East policy, Manipur, India States Bordering Myanmar, Treaty of Friendship, 1951, Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project.
For Mains: Potential Reasons for Reconsidering the FMR, Major Aspects of India-Myanmar Relations, India’s Border Issues
Context:
- The ongoing discussions in the northeastern states have been sparked by India’s recent initiatives to reevaluate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar.
Free Movement Regime (FMR):
Historical Context
- Origins of Boundary
- The Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826 defined the India-Myanmar boundary, separating communities with shared ethnicity and culture.
- Impact of Treaty
- The border created divisions among communities like the Nagas, Kuki-Chin-Mizo, disrupting their shared heritage without consensus.
Establishment of FMR
- Act East Policy
- In 2018, India introduced the FMR as part of the Act East policy, allowing visa-free cross-border movement up to 16 km.
- Border Pass Requirement
- Residents require a one-year border pass for stays up to two weeks, aiming to enhance local trade, education, healthcare, and diplomatic ties.
Potential Reasons for Reconsidering the FMR:
- Security Concerns:
- Rising Infiltration: There’s worry over the influx of illegal immigrants, including the Chin, Naga communities, and Rohingyas from Myanmar, which could strain resources and alter local demographics.
- Illicit Trade: The porous border facilitates the smuggling of drugs and weapons, posing a threat to India’s internal security and fueling criminal activities.
- In 2022, Manipur recorded 500 cases filed and 625 individuals arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to data from the Chief Minister’s Office.
- Insurgency Challenges: Insurgent groups in northeastern India exploit the porous border, enabling easy crossings and evading capture.
- For instance, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Kangleipak Communist Party-Lamphel (KCP-Lamphel) in Manipur.
- Socio-economic and Regional Issues:
- Cultural Identity Concerns: The preservation of indigenous culture and traditions in border areas is a concern amid increased migration.
- Environmental Impact: Deforestation and illegal resource extraction along the border are linked to unregulated cross-border movements.
- Regional Dynamics: China’s growing influence in Myanmar and its potential ramifications for border security introduce further complexities to the situation.
Major Aspects of India-Myanmar Relations:
- Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Myanmar boast a rich historical and cultural relationship spanning centuries, deeply intertwined with Buddhism.
- Diplomatic Foundation: The Treaty of Friendship in 1951 lays the groundwork for their diplomatic ties, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
- Economic Collaboration: India stands as Myanmar’s 4th largest trading partner, contributing significantly to its economic landscape through investments and trade.
- Joint Projects: India’s engagement in Myanmar extends to collaborative endeavours such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, the Trilateral Highway Project, and the restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan, completed in 2018.
- Disaster Response: India has demonstrated swift and effective disaster relief efforts in Myanmar, offering aid in the aftermath of natural disasters like Cyclone Mora in 2017, the earthquake in Shan State in 2010, and the influenza outbreak in Yangon in July-August 2017.
Way Forward:
- Focus on Shared Interests:
- Prioritising and expanding economic cooperation in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and trade can yield mutual benefits, fostering deeper bonds beyond political disparities.
- Promoting cultural exchanges and religious tourism initiatives can bridge gaps and nurture trust and understanding between the peoples of both nations.
- Comprehensive Border Management:
- India must adopt a comprehensive and equitable approach to border management, addressing security imperatives while facilitating legitimate cross-border interactions with Myanmar.
- Supporting Democratic Transition:
- India’s engagement with Myanmar should be geared towards facilitating a peaceful transition to democracy, even amidst challenges and gradual progress.
- A stable and democratic Myanmar resonates with India’s vision for regional stability and prosperity, making it a strategic long-term objective.
UPSC Previous Year Questions
Prelims (2008)
Q:1 Department of Border Management is a Department of which one of the following Union Ministries?
(a) Ministry of Defence
(b) Ministry of Home Affairs
(c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways
(d) Ministry of Environment and Forests
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q1: Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. Mains (2021)
Q2: For effective border area management, discuss the steps required to be taken to deny local support to militants and also suggest ways to manage favourable perception among locals. Mains (2020)
Q3: Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.Mains (2016)
FAQs
Q: What is a Free Movement Regime?
A Free Movement Regime is an agreement between countries allowing citizens to travel, live, and work freely across their borders without the need for visas or work permits.
Q: Which regions or agreements commonly feature Free Movement Regimes?
The European Union’s Schengen Area is one of the most well-known examples, enabling free movement among 26 European countries. Additionally, some countries in South America, such as those within Mercosur, have similar agreements.
Q: What are the benefits of a Free Movement Regime?
It promotes economic growth by facilitating the movement of labor, encourages cultural exchange, and fosters closer ties between participating nations. It also simplifies travel logistics for citizens, reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Q: Are there any challenges associated with Free Movement Regimes?
Challenges include managing security concerns, ensuring equitable access to job markets for citizens of all participating countries, and addressing potential strains on social services in destination areas with high migration flows.
Q: Can countries impose limitations within a Free Movement Regime?
While the general principle is free movement, countries may still impose restrictions under certain circumstances, such as for public health reasons, national security concerns, or during periods of economic strain. However, such restrictions are typically temporary and must adhere to the overarching principles of the agreement.
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