Historical Context of India-Myanmar Relations
India-Myanmar relations are deeply rooted in history, drawing connections that date back to antiquity. Cultural exchanges have been a significant aspect of this relationship, notably with the spread of Buddhism and the development of the Burmese script, which is derived from the Indian Grantha script. Theravada Buddhism has played a pivotal role in shaping Burmese society and culture over the centuries, with an estimated 90% of Myanmar's population adhering to this faith today. This shared cultural and religious heritage has fostered mutual understanding and respect between the two nations.
Colonial Era and Independence
During the British colonial period, Myanmar, then known as Burma, was incorporated as a province of British India, remaining part of it until 1937 when it gained a separate administrative status. Significant events during this period included the role of Indian nationalist Subhas Chandra Bose, who famously proclaimed his call for liberation from colonial rule from Japanese-occupied Burma. The contributions of Myanmar to the Indian independence movement have been acknowledged and highlighted by Indian leaders, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Established Diplomatic Relations
Following Myanmar's independence from British rule in 1948, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations. For decades, the relationship between India and Myanmar flourished, buoyed by historical ties, cultural connections, thriving trade, and shared strategic interests. The significant Indian community residing in Myanmar further strengthened this bond. India was a key ally, offering substantial support to Myanmar as it faced various regional insurgencies, thus solidifying a cooperative relationship based on mutual benefits.
Strains and Challenges
However, the political landscape in Myanmar took a drastic turn when the military overthrew the democratically elected government, resulting in tensions in Indo-Myanmar relations. India, along with the international community, condemned the military's suppression of democracy, which led to significant repercussions, including the expulsion of the Indian community from Myanmar. During this time, Myanmar increasingly isolated itself, forging closer ties predominantly with China as Indian support shifted more toward the pro-democracy movement.
Restoration of Relations
A pivotal moment occurred in 1987 with Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit to Myanmar, which initially reignited diplomatic engagement. Nonetheless, relations soured once more following the military junta's violent responses to pro-democracy protests in 1988, leading to a significant influx of Burmese refugees into India. The turning point came in the early 1990s when Prime Ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee adopted a new foreign policy approach aimed at strengthening ties with Myanmar. This marked the beginning of warmer relations as India sought to enhance its influence in Southeast Asia, particularly in light of China’s growing clout in the region.
Strategic Partnerships and Connectivity
In recent years, India and Myanmar have worked cooperatively on various initiatives, including joint military operations to dismantle militant camps threatening border security. Such measures have been crucial for protecting critical projects like the Kaladan transit and transport project, which is vital for improving connectivity in Northeast India. This relationship is further grounded in their shared geographic, historical, cultural, and economic ties that have endured through the ages, underscoring the significance of Myanmar for India's national interests, particularly in facilitating development in the northeastern states. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 1951 marked a formal beginning to their official relationship, paving the way for ongoing collaboration and partnership.
Economic Relations
India's economic relationship with Myanmar is significant, positioning India as Myanmar's fourth largest trading partner, following Thailand, China, and Singapore. India ranks as the second largest export market for Myanmar, absorbing approximately 25 percent of the country's total exports, which underscores the importance of their trade ties. Additionally, India stands as the seventh most vital source of imports for Myanmar. Recognizing the potential for growth, the governments of both nations set an ambitious target of achieving $1 billion in bilateral trade. Notably, by 2017, bilateral trade exceeded expectations, reaching approximately $1.3 billion.
The Indian government has undertaken initiatives to bolster economic links with Myanmar through the development of air, land, and sea routes. These infrastructure improvements aim to facilitate smoother trade flows and enhance connectivity. One of the key projects aligning with this goal is the establishment of a gas pipeline, which is intended to not only augment trade but also contribute to energy security in both countries. While the involvement of India's private sector in Myanmar has historically been limited and slow in growth, there is a consistent push from both governments to foster cooperation across various sectors. Areas of cooperation include agriculture, telecommunications, information technology, steel production, oil and natural gas exploration, hydrocarbons, and food processing.
Moreover, the bilateral border trade agreement of 1994 is a foundation for trade between the two nations. This agreement designates three specific border points—one in Manipur, another in Mizoram, and the third in Nagaland—where trade can be conducted. This arrangement not only facilitates economic exchanges but also strengthens the socio-cultural ties between border communities in India and Myanmar. As both countries continue to explore avenues for enhancing economic cooperation, there is an optimistic outlook for the future of India-Myanmar relations, particularly in light of the growing needs for investment and development in Myanmar's economy.
Infrastructure Initiatives
The Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo highway, known as the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road, was inaugurated on 13 February 2001 as a significant infrastructure project between India and Myanmar. Spanning approximately 250 kilometers, this highway was primarily constructed by the Indian Army's Border Roads Organisation, emphasizing India's commitment to strengthening ties with its eastern neighbor. The road plays a vital role in enhancing the strategic and commercial connectivity between North-East India and Southeast Asia, thereby facilitating smoother trade and movement of goods.
The initiative not only serves as a critical transport link but also fosters socioeconomic development in the bordering regions. By improving access between the two nations, the road has the potential to promote tourism and attract investments, further contributing to the economic integration of the region. Moreover, the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Road symbolizes the broader ambitions of India’s Act East Policy, which is focused on boosting economic ties with ASEAN countries and enhancing regional connectivity.
In addition to the Tamu-Kalewa-Kalemyo highway, various other infrastructure projects are underway to bolster bilateral relations. For instance, India has engaged in the development of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which aims to create a trade route by linking the eastern Indian port of Kolkata with the Sittwe port in Myanmar. Through investments in roads, railways, and ports, India is actively working to establish itself as a key player in Myanmar's infrastructure development, thereby solidifying the economic and strategic partnership between the two countries. This multifaceted approach not only strengthens political and economic ties but also fosters people-to-people connections, paving the way for a robust and collaborative relationship.
Strategic Infrastructure Development
The India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Highway represents a significant stride in regional connectivity, enhancing the transportation network among India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The proposed 4-lane, 3200 km highway aims to facilitate trade and economic cooperation, and its completion was originally targeted for 2016. This ambitious project not only connects Guwahati in India to Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar but also stretches to Mae Sot and Bangkok in Thailand. Such a route will foster closer economic ties and bolster people-to-people contact in Southeast Asia.
India's active role in the construction of the highway underlines its commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbors. Specifically, two notable sections of the highway are being developed: the Kalewa-Yagyi road section and the improvement of 69 bridges along the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road section. The methodologies adopted for these projects, which were awarded under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, guarantee efficiency in delivery and maintenance of quality standards. Since their inception in November 2017 and May 2018, progress has been consistent, indicating India's dedication to architectural excellence and timely completion.
Furthermore, the first phase connecting Guwahati to Mandalay is merely the beginning of a larger vision that includes extending the route to Cambodia and Vietnam. This initiative falls under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework, further linking the Indian subcontinent to the broader Asian Highway Network. The objective here is not confined to mere transportation; it aims to create a dynamic economic zone stretching from Kolkata on the Bay of Bengal to Ho Chi Minh City on the South China Sea. By facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, this highway promises to drive growth and development in the region, fostering a collaborative environment that can benefit all participating countries.
Overall, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Highway highlights a crucial element of regional integration through infrastructure development. As the project progresses, it holds the potential to significantly uplift the economic landscape of the involved nations, while also serving as a conduit for cultural exchanges that can thrive in a more interconnected region. With the commitment of the Indian government and the collaboration of Myanmar and Thailand, the completion of this highway will mark a landmark achievement in the quest for enhanced connectivity and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
Overview of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Route
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity between India and Myanmar. This ambitious project begins at the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata and extends to Sittwe seaport in Myanmar, utilizing maritime transport initially. Once goods reach Sittwe, they will be transported via the Kaladan riverboat route to Lashio, a crucial logistical hub in Myanmar. The final leg of the journey connects Lashio to Mizoram in India through well-developed road transport networks.
The project was originally scheduled for completion by 2014, as stated by the then-Governor of Mizoram, Vakkom Purushothaman. However, due to various challenges including funding issues, land acquisition difficulties, and bureaucratic delays, the completion date was pushed forward. By November 2014, it was anticipated that the project would be wrapped up by 2016. Despite these delays, the importance of the Kaladan Project cannot be understated, as it is part of India's broader strategic efforts to enhance its connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is crucial not only for enhancing trade routes but also for strengthening political ties between India and Myanmar. This project is a critical component of India's Look East Policy, which aims to foster economic relationships with neighboring countries and integrate more deeply into the Southeast Asian economic framework. As both India and Myanmar are members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the Kaladan project has implications for regional cooperation as well.
In addition to boosting trade, this transit route opens up new avenues for economic development in the northeastern states of India, especially Mizoram. By providing a more direct access route to international markets, local industries and businesses may find lucrative opportunities, leading to job creation and enhanced livelihoods for the local population. Furthermore, completing this transit route could pave the way for subsequent infrastructure projects, fostering better connectivity and development in the region.
Overall, while challenges have delayed its progress, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project holds substantial promise for improving trade relations and contributing to economic growth between India and Myanmar, enhancing the wider regional ties in Southeast Asia.
Visa Policies Enhance Bilateral Relations
In 2017, during his significant visit to Nay Pyi Taw, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a noteworthy announcement aimed at strengthening the diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar. He declared that India would offer gratis or no-cost visas to all Myanmar citizens traveling to India. This gesture exemplified India's commitment to fostering stronger people-to-people connections and encouraging cultural exchange between the two neighboring countries.
By eliminating visa fees for Myanmar citizens, India not only facilitated easier access for tourists and businesspersons but also aimed to bolster educational and vocational exchanges. Such measures are designed to encourage more Myanmar nationals to explore opportunities in India, particularly in fields such as education, healthcare, and technology. With a population of over 54 million, Myanmar represents a significant potential market for Indian businesses, making travel more affordable a strategic move to enhance bilateral economic relations.
These visa initiatives are part of India's broader strategy to engage with Southeast Asia and improve its standing in regional geopolitics. By fostering closer ties with Myanmar, India aims to counterbalance China's influence in the region, especially given Myanmar's strategic location sharing a long border with India. This diplomatic overture not only aids in mutual understanding but also reflects India's willingness to support Myanmar on various developmental fronts, ultimately leading to a stronger partnership rooted in both historical ties and shared interests.
Strategic Relations
India's proactive approach in developing close ties with Myanmar stems from its strategic imperative to counteract the growing influence of China in the region. The evolving dynamics in Myanmar have led to heightened concerns in New Delhi regarding China’s extensive military engagement, which encompasses significant investments in critical infrastructure such as ports and naval facilities. Of particular concern is the upgrade of the naval base in Sittwe, located near Kolkata, which poses potential geostrategic challenges for India. By strengthening ties with Myanmar, India aims not only to bolster its regional influence but also to ensure a counterbalance to Chinese assertiveness along its eastern borders.
In addition to geopolitical motivations, India's relationship with Myanmar is also deeply rooted in shared security concerns. Both nations have collaborated to combat drug trafficking and address the activities of insurgent groups operating in the northeastern regions of India and along the Indo-Myanmar border. This partnership is crucial for stabilizing these border areas, which have historically been troubled by conflicts and illegal activities. The strategic relevance of this cooperation is underscored by India's role within regional frameworks such as BIMSTEC and the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, where both countries join forces with other Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand to promote mutual goals of development and security.
The financial aspect of India's commitment to Myanmar is evident in the provision of a substantial loan in 2013, amounting to approximately US$500 million dedicated to Myanmar's developmental projects. This financial assistance signifies India's recognition of the need for sustainable development in Myanmar in order to build a robust partnership. Furthermore, military collaboration has emerged as a key component of their relationship, with India helping to modernize Myanmar’s military capabilities. A landmark event in this regard was the gifting of a kilo-class attack submarine, INS Sindhuvir, from India to the Myanmar navy in 2020. Refurbished by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, this gesture symbolizes India’s commitment to enhancing Myanmar's defense capabilities and further consolidates the strategic partnership between the two nations.
As India continues to navigate its interests in Southeast Asia, its ties with Myanmar are likely to play an increasingly important role in regional dynamics. Strengthening these relations serves not only to counterbalance China's presence but also to foster a stable and secure environment for both nations. Through varied avenues of collaboration—from infrastructure development and military engagement to joint efforts in addressing security challenges—India and Myanmar are poised to build a resilient partnership that could significantly influence regional stability in the years ahead.
Security Collaboration
India and Myanmar have strengthened their security ties through joint military operations aimed at combating insurgency in the region. Notably, the two nations collaborated in Operation Sunrise and Operation Sunrise 2 in 2019, carrying out targeted offensive maneuvers to dismantle several insurgent camps located within their respective territories. These coordinated efforts signify a growing partnership in addressing security concerns that threaten stability along the India-Myanmar border. Despite these operations, there remains a pressing risk to the Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project, a crucial initiative designed to enhance connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
Border Security Challenges
In January 2023, the Myanmar Air Force executed operations in a sparsely populated area near the border, which raised concerns among local communities regarding their safety and the potential disruptions. The proximity of military engagement to civilian populations serves to underscore the delicate balance required in managing security operations while respecting the rights and safety of local inhabitants. Such situations necessitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration between India and Myanmar to mitigate risks and forge strategies that address both insurgent threats and humanitarian considerations.
Dealing with Insurgent Groups
India's support for Myanmar in countering insurgent threats extends to groups such as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Aqa Mul Mujahideen (AMM). Intelligence assessments from Indian agencies have revealed connections between these groups and larger terrorist organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The findings suggest a complex network that not only complicates India’s security landscape but also implicates broader regional stability, particularly with reports of Rohingya militants allegedly collaborating with Pakistani extremists in conflict-prone areas such as Kashmir. This intersection of local insurgencies with global terror affiliations calls for a comprehensive approach by both India and Myanmar to counteract threats effectively while considering the socio-political ramifications of their actions.
Disaster Relief Initiatives
India has demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian assistance through its prompt and effective response to natural disasters in Myanmar over the years. Notable instances of this support include significant efforts during the earthquake in Shan State in 2010, Cyclone Komen in 2015, and Cyclone Mora in 2017. In each of these situations, India provided immediate relief supplies, including food, medical assistance, and rescue teams, showcasing its readiness to assist neighboring countries during times of crisis.
Beyond immediate disaster relief, India has also focused on long-term capacity building in Myanmar to enhance resilience against future calamities. The Indian government has offered to support the strengthening of Myanmar’s National Disaster Response Mechanism, aiming to assist in the development of better preparedness systems and emergency response frameworks. This collaboration seeks to empower Myanmar to manage disaster risks more effectively, ensuring communities are better equipped to handle natural disasters.
India's engagement in disaster relief is part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral relations with Myanmar. Both nations share a long-standing relationship characterized by cultural, historical, and economic ties. By providing assistance during natural disasters, India not only fulfills its humanitarian obligations but also reinforces its role as a responsible regional partner in Southeast Asia. Through initiatives such as training programs and knowledge transfer in disaster risk mitigation, India aims to foster a more resilient Myanmar, thereby enhancing stability and security in the region.
Overall, these efforts reflect India's commitment to strengthening its diplomatic ties with Myanmar while promoting collaboration in disaster management. As climate change continues to pose challenges to both nations, such partnerships will be crucial in mitigating the impact of future natural disasters and bolstering community resilience in the face of adversity.
Vaccine Diplomacy
In early 2021, India extended its support to Myanmar by providing 1.7 million COVID-19 vaccines during the critical months of January and February. This gesture was part of India's broader vaccine diplomacy initiative aimed at neighboring countries, emphasizing its role as a responsible stakeholder in the global health landscape. The vaccines, produced under India's domestic vaccination program, were crucial in combating the surging COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar, which faced significant health challenges amidst political turmoil.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
India's provision of vaccines to Myanmar not only addressed an immediate health crisis but also helped solidify bilateral relations between the two nations. The gesture demonstrated India's commitment to assist its neighbors, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in health and security matters. As Myanmar faced challenges due to its internal conflicts and the impact of the pandemic, India's assistance aimed to strengthen long-standing ties based on cultural, historical, and economic connections.
A Collaborative Approach
This vaccine donation is part of a larger framework of engagement wherein India has consistently sought to enhance its influence and cooperation in Southeast Asia. By stepping up during the pandemic, India has positioned itself as a proactive partner for Myanmar, demonstrating its capacity to contribute to regional health and stability. Furthermore, India has engaged in discussions for deeper collaboration in various sectors, including trade, infrastructure development, and security, thereby creating a robust partnership that transcends immediate health concerns.
Future Prospects
The collaboration in addressing the COVID-19 crisis provides a foundation for future cooperation between India and Myanmar. Both nations have expressed a desire to enhance their strategic ties in areas such as trade, connectivity, and security, especially considering the geopolitical dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. As Myanmar continues to navigate its political challenges, India's supportive role in public health can be seen as an integral part of fostering a stable and resilient partnership in the long term.
Human Rights Stance
India's approach to human rights issues in Myanmar has been marked by caution and a strong emphasis on non-interference in the internal matters of neighboring countries. This was particularly evident during the 2007 Burmese anti-government protests, which garnered significant global condemnation. Instead of voicing support for the demonstrators, India's response was muted, as it articulated its intent to respect Myanmar’s sovereignty and asserted that the path toward democracy must be determined by the Burmese people themselves. This reticence has not gone unnoticed; both domestic and international critics have labeled it a failure of leadership for a nation that considers itself a democratic pillar in the region. Such a stance has led to questions about India's commitment to human rights and democracy on the global stage.
Under Prime Minister Modi's administration, this trend continued, particularly during the 2016–17 clashes in Northern Rakhine State. The Prime Minister refrained from publicly denouncing Aung San Suu Kyi’s government for its policies regarding the Rohingya people, despite widespread international outcry over the humanitarian crisis affecting this minority. India's diplomacy seems to prioritize strategic interests over human rights advocacy, aligning with the Government of Myanmar's perspective, which has drawn further criticism from human rights organizations and foreign observers.
In addition to its diplomatic stance, India has taken a more contentious approach regarding the Rohingya refugee population within its borders. The Indian government has advocated for the deportation of these refugees, branding them as "illegal immigrants" rather than acknowledging their status as asylum seekers. Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju's remarks align with the Myanmar Government’s categorization of the Rohingya, illustrating India's commitment to the official narrative of Myanmar. Notably, the Indian government has justified these deportations by referencing that India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, further complicating the legal situation for the Rohingya who sought refuge in India prior to the uptick in violence in August 2017.
Current reports from Indian media have highlighted concerns among the country's intelligence agencies about potential security threats posed by militant Rohingya leaders supposedly collaborating with extremist groups like Pakistani terrorists. This perception of the Rohingya as a security risk has fueled official hesitance to provide asylum or support, isolating them further in a host country already ambivalent towards their plight. Consequently, the Rohingya refugees find themselves in a precarious situation, caught between the socio-political dynamics of India and the harsh realities of their home country's policies.