Myanmar has committed to ensuring that its territory is not used for acts, operations, or movements that might compromise Myanmar’s security interests with India. Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing gave the assurance during his official visit to India and talks with Narendra Modi. This is notable because India and Myanmar have a long and sensitive border that is especially so in India’s northeastern region. The bilateral meeting touched on several key areas such as security cooperation, border management, trade and connectivity projects and regional stability. The assurance bolsters India’s policy of “Act East,” and efforts to ensure peace and security in the region.
Major Outcomes of the India-Myanmar Bilateral Meeting
- Myanmar reiterated that “Myanmar’s territory shall not be utilised for the security violation of India.
- This was given during PM Modi’s high-level interactions with President Min Aung Hlaing.
- India and Myanmar spoke about ensuring that the use of sovereign territory will not be exploited to generate unfriendly activity.
- The issue is of significance as several insurgent groups have traditionally been in action in the vicinity of the India-Myanmar border.
- The two agreed to strengthen security and defence cooperation.
- Improvements in the movement of goods and people over the border were, again, discussed, with a view to reducing cross-border crime and militancy.
- India reiterated its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar.
- The possibility of cooperation in order to combat cybercrime gang activity in border areas was emphasised.
- Indian nationals were repatriated from cyber scam compounds in Myanmar (previously) by thousands.
- The parties had talks on deepening trade and investment cooperation.
- The consumers appreciated the settlement mechanism through rupee means and the Kyat, and also appreciated the advantage of smooth flow of bilateral trade.
- Re-engagement was given to connectivity projects, like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- Myanmar is India’s sole land-connected ASEAN neighbour, thus playing a crucial role in the relations between the nation and the Association.
- Cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth resources was also a key part of the visit.
- The development is in line with India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East Policy.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
| Exam | Year | Question | Options | Answer |
| UPSC Prelims | 2017 | India shares a land border with which ASEAN country? | (A) Thailand (B) Myanmar (C) Vietnam (D) Malaysia | (B) Myanmar |
| SSC CGL | 2021 | Which policy aims to strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asia? | (A) Look West (B) Act East (C) Neighbourhood South (D) Vision Asia | (B) Act East |
| CDS | 2020 | The Kaladan Project connects India with which country? | (A) Nepal (B) Bangladesh (C) Myanmar (D) Bhutan | (C) Myanmar |
| UPSC Prelims | 2019 | Which Indian state does not share a border with Myanmar? | (A) Mizoram (B) Manipur (C) Nagaland (D) Assam | (D) Assam |
| CAPF | 2022 | ASEAN stands for? | (A) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (B) Asian Economic Nations (C) Association of South Asian Economies (D) None | (A) |
India-Germany Submarine Deal Nears Finalisation
Conclusion: Strengthening India-Myanmar Strategic Relations
The efforts of the Myanmar government not to use land illegally for India’s security interest; it is an important step towards strengthening relations between the two countries. The statement is a response to the long-standing concerns of India about insurgency and cross-border security issues. In addition to security, there is growing cooperation between both countries in trade, infrastructure, connectivity, critical minerals and people-to-people exchanges. The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project or India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway can play an important role in the development of regional integration. Stronger cooperation will bring benefits to regional stability, development and fulfilment of India’s Act East Policy, as Myanmar is still India’s gateway to Southeast Asia and will continue to be so.
