Understanding India's Strategic Policy Towards Myanmar

India-Myanmar Relations: Navigating Security and Strategic Interests

India's policy towards Myanmar is deeply informed by its security concerns in the northeast region and its strategic positioning against China. This is illustrated through several initiatives undertaken by India:

• Northeast Insurgency: India shares a long and porous border with Myanmar, which has been utilized as a refuge by various insurgent groups operating within India's northeastern states. The Indian government is vigilant regarding the cross-border movement of these groups, arms smuggling, and other security challenges that arise from this region.
• Strengthening Border Security: The core of India's policy is aimed at bolstering border security and thwarting insurgent activities. Measures include enhanced patrolling, intelligence sharing, and collaborative military operations with Myanmar's armed forces to dismantle insurgent bases along the border.
• Infrastructure Development: India is actively involved in infrastructure projects near the Myanmar border, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State. These initiatives not only seek to enhance connectivity for India’s northeastern states but also serve strategic purposes in countering China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in the area.
• Chabahar Port: India’s efforts to develop Iran’s Chabahar Port are partially driven by the intention to bypass Pakistan and secure an alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The Chabahar Port provides access to these regions without reliance on pathways influenced by China, including those through Myanmar.
• Geostrategic Balance: India views China's expanding influence in Myanmar as a significant strategic challenge. The China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a vital aspect of the BRI, aims to connect China's Yunnan province to the Indian Ocean via Myanmar. India's infrastructure initiatives near the border are perceived as countermeasures to mitigate China’s growing sway.
• Regional Diplomacy: India’s engagement with Myanmar also seeks to bolster regional cooperation. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project exemplifies this strategy, aiming to enhance connectivity and trade relations among the three nations.
• Rohingya Crisis: The Rohingya refugee crisis further complicates India's stance. While there are national security concerns regarding illegal immigration, India must also navigate its international image and humanitarian responsibilities.

In summary, India’s policy towards Myanmar is significantly shaped by its security concerns in the northeast, including issues of insurgency and cross-border activities. The infrastructure projects adjacent to the Myanmar border form part of India’s broader strategy to counter China’s influence while enhancing connectivity, thereby contributing to its regional geopolitical aspirations.

• Proactive Beginnings: Initially, India adopted a proactive stance by providing food and vaccine assistance to Myanmar during the COVID-19 pandemic and the military coup.
• Fading Concerns: However, India’s concern for the Myanmarese populace appears to have diminished over time, overshadowed by accusations of instigating violence in Manipur.
• Border Complexities: Communities along the border have defied India’s Home Ministry by offering shelter to refugees, underscoring the complexities of border management.
• Security Concerns: India's policy towards Myanmar is framed through the lens of security concerns in its northeast region, with infrastructure projects aimed at countering China's influence.
• Arms Supply Dilemma: Despite promoting democracy, India has reportedly increased arms supplies to the military since the coup, undermining its stance and exacerbating border tensions.
• Policy Options: India has various options to consider in its policy towards Myanmar:
  • Engage with Aung San Suu Kyi and pro-democracy actors, leveraging her influence for a peaceful resolution.
  • Foster care and compassion towards incoming refugees, avoiding securitization and profiling to prevent further violence.
  • Balance security concerns with a commitment to democracy, ensuring policy actions are more consistently aligned.

Conclusion: India’s policy towards Myanmar faces challenges in balancing its security interests with democratic values. An approach that engages key stakeholders while prioritizing stability and compassion could lead to a more effective policy stance.