India’s Northeast Border Tension: Navigating Challenges Along Myanmar Border with a Coordinated Approach

Context:

• This article is based on an Editorial “Brewing in Burma: Myanmar’s civil strife is bringing in refugees and drugs. GOI and states need to coordinate” which was published in the Times of India. Recent events along the Northeast border with Myanmar have highlighted the urgent need for a coherent approach that brings together the Government of India’s (GOI’s) internal security and diplomatic efforts in sync with the approach of state governments.  

What is the India-Myanmar border issue, and what impact does it have on Indian states?

• Bordering Countries: India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km land border. It’s an open border, defined by the free movement regime (FMR) of 16 km on either side. 
• Manipur: One of the four states in the Northeast which share a border with Myanmar (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share an international boundary with Myanmar), Manipur is among the worst affected by the recent civil strife.
• Mizoram: The state has seen an increase in the influx of refugees from Myanmar, catalyzed by the ties between Chin refugees and the Mizos. The government’s liberal attitude towards the refugees could lead to challenges ahead.

Risks from Civil Strife and Narcotics Trade

• Trouble for India: The open border, along with a collapse of state institutions and the resulting inflow of refugees from Myanmar provides a boost to the transnational narcotics trade. 
  • This makes Myanmar the most troublesome of India’s neighbors.
• Civil Strife: The intensity of civil strife has increased following the military coup in 2021, and the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.
• Drug Trafficking: India is heavily reliant on the infamous Golden Triangle for inputs in synthetic drug manufacture and its subsequent market.

India’s Approach to Refugees

• Approach for Neutralization: India’s ad hoc approach to refugees and their fear of prosecution under the Foreigners Act will very likely result in refugees in search of a livelihood being ensnared by the drug trade. 
  • GOI needs to use its leverage with Myanmar’s military junta to neutralize the push factor of bringing refugees here.
• India’s Stance on Refugees: The current approach focuses on a case-by-case basis, rather than having a coherent policy on how to deal with refugees as a whole.
• Foreigners Act: The prospect of being persecuted under the Act makes refugees hesitant to approach government officials for help and pushes them further into a vulnerable position.
• Impact on the Drug Trade: The situation in Myanmar, combined with India’s approach to refugees, has made it easier for refugees to be ensnared by the drug trade.

The Path Ahead for India’s Northeast Border Tension 

• Need a Cohesive Approach: Given the potential risks from the situation, it is important that GOI prioritizes this issue and takes a cohesive approach towards the same.
• Border Security: The Indian army has a difficult task of ensuring India’s security in the Northeast, particularly given the open border regime between the two countries.
• Diplomatic Efforts: India also needs to pursue diplomatic efforts with Myanmar to find a way to stem the flow of refugees into India.
• State Government Cooperation: The state governments in the Northeast also have a role to play in this regard, and need to work together toward finding a sustainable, long-term term solution.

Also Read: National Security Strategy

Conclusion:

India’s Northeast Border Tension demands a collective effort from the government and states to tackle issues arising from civil unrest and refugee influx along the Myanmar border.