THE CONTEXT: Three years after the military coup in Myanmar, the junta continues to perpetrate violence against its people, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately 2.5 million individuals. Despite this, India has maintained formal relations with the regime, prioritizing strategic interests over democratic values. This stance has been defended by Indian foreign policy scholars who argue that engagement with the junta is necessary to protect India’s interests in Myanmar. However, a more progressive, values-driven approach could better serve India’s national interests while promoting democracy and human security in Myanmar.
THE ISSUES:
- Leveraging Democratic Credentials: India should use its status as the largest federal democracy to influence Myanmar positively. Myanmar’s pro-democracy leaders and civil society view India as a model for federal democratic governance. By supporting the National Unity Government (NUG) and other democratic forces through capacity-building and knowledge exchange programs, India can distinguish itself from China and promote federal cooperation in Myanmar.
- Halting Weapon Sales: India needs to stop all weapon sales to the Myanmar Reports indicate that Indian state-owned and private companies have supplied arms and military equipment to the junta which are used against civilians. Halting these sales would align India with international humanitarian principles and reduce complicity in the junta’s war crimes.
- Opening Humanitarian Corridors: India should establish cross-border humanitarian corridors to aid civilians affected by the conflict in regions like Sagaing, Chin, and northern Rakhine. This involves revoking plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and reinstating the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Collaborating with local and international NGOs to deliver emergency relief without junta interference is crucial.
- Stopping Deportations of Asylum Seekers: The Indian government should halt the detention and deportation of Myanmar asylum seekers, particularly in states like Manipur. Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, India is bound by the principle of non-refoulement under international law, which prohibits returning refugees to places where they face persecution or death.
- Balancing Strategic Interests and Humanitarian Values: India’s policy towards Myanmar has traditionally focused on strategic interests, such as countering Chinese influence and securing energy resources. However, integrating humanitarian values into this policy can enhance India’s regional influence and align its actions with democratic principles. This includes supporting democratic forces in Myanmar and providing humanitarian aid.
- Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing conflict in Myanmar has led to significant displacement and humanitarian needs. India should proactively provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities, including medical aid, food, and shelter. This approach addresses immediate needs and demonstrates India’s commitment to regional stability and human rights.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Engage with Pro-Democracy Forces: India should formally recognize and engage with the National Unity Government (NUG) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) that are part of the pro-democracy resistance in Myanmar. This engagement can include diplomatic recognition, support for capacity-building, and facilitating dialogue among various stakeholders. The European Union’s recognition of the NUG as the legitimate government of Myanmar serves as a precedent.
- Halt Military Support to the Junta: Continuing to supply military equipment to the junta undermines India’s moral standing and contradicts its democratic values. Halting these supplies can pressure the junta to engage in dialogue with pro-democracy forces. Several Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have imposed arms embargoes on Myanmar. These measures have been part of broader sanctions to pressure the junta to cease its human rights abuses and engage in democratic reforms.
- Open Humanitarian Corridors: India should establish cross-border humanitarian corridors to aid civilians affected by the conflict in Myanmar. This includes revoking plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and reinstating the Free Movement Regime (FMR). Thailand has successfully implemented cross-border aid deliveries into Myanmar, providing a model for India to follow. Thailand’s approach includes stringent checks to prevent contraband while ensuring that aid reaches those in need.
- Support Refugees and Asylum Seekers: India should halt the detention and deportation of Myanmar asylum seekers and provide them with humanitarian assistance and protection. This includes releasing detained refugees and housing them in humane shelters. Germany’s approach to Syrian refugees, which included giving asylum and integrating them into society, has been widely praised. This policy addressed humanitarian needs and contributed to Germany’s economic and social fabric.
- Promote Federalism and Democracy: India should leverage its experience as a federal democracy to support Myanmar’s transition to a federal system. This can include knowledge exchange programs, capacity-building initiatives, and support for drafting a new federal constitution. South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a federal democracy, supported by international actors, provides a relevant example.
THE CONCLUSION:
India’s current policy towards Myanmar, prioritizing strategic interests over democratic values, needs a significant shift. By leveraging its status as the largest federal democracy, halting arms sales to the junta, opening humanitarian corridors, and treating asylum seekers humanely, India can support Myanmar’s pro-democracy forces and enhance regional stability. This approach not only aligns with India’s democratic values but also strengthens its strategic position in Southeast Asia, distinguishing it from China and fostering long-term regional peace and cooperation.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q. Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan borders, including the Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. 2020
Q. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q. Discuss India’s foreign policy’s strategic and humanitarian dimensions towards Myanmar post the 2021 military coup. How can India balance its national interests with democratic values in Myanmar’s policy?
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