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India’s Myanmar quandary, its Paradoxical Policy

Context: 

Recently, the acting President of Myanmar, Myint Swe, announced the fourth extension of the ‘emergency’ for another six months.

More on News:

  • Several political prisoners were released and even reduced the sentences imposed on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the deposed President Win Myint.

11.4Image Credits: BBC

Rationale for extension of emergency:

  • Military claims extension is due to the failure to establish ‘normalcy’ in large parts of the country.
  • Emergency extension hinders proposed elections by the military regime.

India’s Initial Response and Subsequent Concerns in Myanmar

  • Early Pandemic and Coup Response
    • Humanitarian Assistance: India provides food and vaccine aid in response to COVID-19 and the coup.
  • Fading Concern for Myanmarese Plight
    • Shifting Priorities: Focus on Myanmar’s issues diminishes over time.
    • Accusations and Distractions: Allegations of instigating violence in Manipur divert attention.
  • Border Communities and Refugee Shelter
    • Defiance of Home Ministry: Communities along the border offer shelter to refugees despite government concerns.
  • Suspension of Free Movement Regime
    • Trafficking and Drug Concerns: Worries over illicit activities lead to the suspension of the Free Movement Regime.
    • Policy Impact: Measures to address security challenges affecting border relations.

Indian Policy of engagement with Myanmar:

  • India’s policy toward Myanmar presents a paradox: commitment to democracy vs. security concerns.
    • For example, India’s announcement of the Sairang-Hmawngbuchhuah railway project near the Myanmar border, under India’s Act East Policy, aims to counter China’s railway access in Myanmar through Yunnan and the ambitious China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.
  •  The United Nations Special Rapporteur has reported an increase in India’s arms supply to the military since the coup. 
    • Arming the Tatmadaw(Myanmar Military) undermines India’s position on restoring democracy.

India’s Challenge:

  • Balancing Humanitarianism and Security
    • Complex Dilemma: Navigating between aiding refugees and addressing security concerns.
    • Policy Challenges: Striking a balance between humanitarian assistance and border stability.

Way Forward:

  • Engagement with Pro-Democracy Actors
    • Suu Kyi’s sentence reduction offers an opportunity for India to engage with her and pro-democracy figures.
    • Diplomatic efforts to support democratic values.
  • Refugee Treatment and Humanitarian Approach
    • Avoid securitization and profiling of incoming refugees.
    • Foster care, compassion, and a peaceful environment to prevent violence.
Free Movement Regime (FMR):

  • India and Myanmar have activated a ‘free movement regime’ (FMR) for people residing in villages near their 1,643 km-long border.
  • It allows tribes living along the border on either side to travel up to 16 km inside the other country without a visa.
  • Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram share international boundary with Myanmar

                                           News Source: The Hindu

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Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
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हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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