India’s Relationship with Myanmar for Economic, Business Interest?

India‘s Relationship with Myanmar for Economic, Business Interest?

DILIP DAIMARY

India’s relationship with Myanmar is a multifaceted tapestry woven with historical ties, strategic considerations, and regional dynamics.

From the colonial era to the present day, India’s approach to Myanmar has navigated a delicate balance between realpolitik imperatives, the promotion of democratic values, and the advancement of its strategic interests, particularly in the context of its northeastern region of Indian sub-continent or the indigenous people of the Bamboo Region.

India’s engagement with Myanmar traces its roots back to the colonial period when both countries shared anti-colonial struggles against British rule. The signing of the Treaty of Friendship further solidified bilateral relations. However, the military coup in Myanmar in 1962 ushered in a period of strained ties, compelling India to adopt a cautious approach to its neighbor.

The rise of China as a regional power added another layer of complexity to India’s Myanmar strategy.

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“India’s engagement with Myanmar is closely linked to the development and security of its northeastern states. The region shares porous borders with Myanmar, making it vulnerable to cross-border insurgencies, illicit trade, and other security challenges. Strengthening ties with Myanmar is crucial for addressing these security concerns and promoting economic development in India’s northeastern states.”

Concerned about China’s expanding influence in the region and its potential security implications for India’s northeastern states, India sought to maintain a strategic foothold in Myanmar while simultaneously supporting democratic forces within the country and promoting regional connectivity.

Despite ideological differences and support for the pro-democracy movement, India recognized the central role of the Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, in the country’s political landscape.

Acknowledging the Tatmadaw‘s influence and its significance in countering cross-border insurgencies, India engaged in diplomatic and military cooperation with the military to address shared security concerns.

This pragmatic approach included joint operations against insurgent groups, coordination on counter-insurgency efforts, and infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing connectivity between India’s northeastern states and Myanmar.

Such engagements reflected India’s strategic imperative of prioritizing stability and security in the region while balancing its relationships with various stakeholders within Myanmar.

India’s engagement with Myanmar is not only driven by security concerns but also by economic, business interests and developmental projects. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, for example, aims to connect the northeastern states of India with Myanmar’s Sittwe port, providing an alternate route for trade and reducing dependence on traditional routes through the Siliguri Corridor.

Additionally, India has invested in the Trilateral Highway project, which seeks to improve road connectivity between India, Myanmar, and Thailand, further enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation. These projects underscore India’s broader objective of integrating its northeastern states with Southeast Asia through Myanmar.

Despite engaging with the Tatmadaw on security matters, India’s Myanmar policy has also been guided by its commitment to democratic principles and human rights.

While maintaining ties with the military regime, India has consistently expressed support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and raised concerns about human rights violations, including the recent conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s de facto civilian leader.

India’s nuanced approach, characterized by diplomatic engagement with both the military regime and democratic forces, underscores its efforts to balance strategic interests with democratic values. This delicate balancing act reflects India’s commitment to upholding democratic norms while navigating the complexities of regional geopolitics.

India’s engagement with Myanmar is closely linked to the development and security of its northeastern states. The region shares porous borders with Myanmar, making it vulnerable to cross-border insurgencies, illicit trade, and other security challenges. Strengthening ties with Myanmar is crucial for addressing these security concerns and promoting economic development in India’s northeastern states.

Moreover, India’s northeastern states stand to benefit significantly from improved connectivity with Myanmar through infrastructure projects such as the Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. These projects have the potential to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

India’s engagement with Myanmar is also influenced by broader regional dynamics, particularly its strategic rivalry with China. As China expands its influence in the region through economic investments, infrastructure development, and military cooperation, India views Myanmar as a crucial partner in countering China’s growing presence and safeguarding its own strategic interests.

By promoting regional connectivity, supporting democratic forces, and engaging with multiple stakeholders in Myanmar, India aims to counterbalance China’s influence and maintain its own strategic foothold in the region. India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Myanmar align with its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to promote a free, open, and inclusive regional order.

India’s engagement with Myanmar exemplifies the complex interplay between realpolitik considerations, the promotion of democratic values, and the pursuit of strategic interests.

From historical ties to contemporary projects of interest, India’s approach to Myanmar reflects a nuanced understanding of regional geopolitics and a commitment to advancing its interests while upholding democratic principles and addressing the developmental needs of its northeastern states.

As regional dynamics continue to evolve, India’s comprehensive engagement with Myanmar will remain a critical aspect of its broader foreign policy agenda.

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