India-Myanmar Border Security Cooperation

Context

India and Myanmar have agreed to deepen operational cooperation and intelligence sharing and enhance border security at the interface to tackle multi-national security challenges and boost regional connectivity under India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.

Key Highlights

• India and Myanmar discussed the bilateral cooperation in the field of security at the 23rd National Level Meeting in New Delhi.
• The two countries agreed to further improve cooperation in the area of intelligence, strengthen the coordination efforts along their shared border and strengthen actions aimed at combating transnational crimes, in addition to reiterating their efforts for peace and stability along the border areas.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

• Strengthened Security Cooperation

  • Agreed to improve the exchange of intelligence information with security agencies.
  • Enhance operational coordination in terms of cross-border threats.
  • Increase cooperation through regular institutional dialogue and capacity-building programmes.

• Choose a subject from Transnational Crimes

  • Together they are committed to cooperating on the following:
    • Terrorism and insurgency.
    • Narcotics trafficking.
    • Arms smuggling.
    • Human trafficking.
    • Cybercrime.
    • Organised crime.
    • Wildlife trafficking.

• Border Management

  • Analysed the prevailing security scenario across India – Myanmar border
  • Reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability and effective border management.
  • Myanmar agreed not to allow any activity that would affect the security interests of India inside its territory.

Strategic Importance of Myanmar for India

• Neighbourhood First Policy

  • Myanmar is India’s only land bridge connecting South Asia with Southeast Asia.
  • The region’s economic integration and peaceful existence hinges on stable bilateral relationships.

• Act East Policy

  • Myanmar is the link between India and ASEAN.
  • Facilitated connectivity boosts trade, investment and strategic partnership.

• MAHASAGAR Vision

  • India is committed to helping develop the vision of ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions’ (MAHASAGAR) through its cooperation with Myanmar.
  • Enhance the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region.

• Connectivity Projects

  • Both sides looked at progress in major infrastructure projects:
    • The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project was signed which links eastern seaboard of India to Myanmar and involves sea, river and road transport.
    • Trilateral Highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand for better trade and connectivity between South Asia andSouth-East Asia.
  • These projects should:
    • Boost regional trade.
    • Optimize logistical flows and supply chain.
    • Enhance economic integration.
    • Promote development in India’s North-East.

Challenges

• Unfenced border with the out-of-country which allows illegal movement.
• Cross-border insurgent networks.
• Trafficking from Golden Triangle.
• Political turmoil in Myanmar.
• Time taken in implementation of connection schemes.
• Internecine issues related to human rights.Internal conflict related humanitarian issues.

Way Forward

• Simplify coordinated and timely exchange of information along the borders.
• Accelerate completion of connectivity projects.
• Enhance cooperation in capacity building, training and technology.
• Support socio-economic development, particularly in border areas.
• Maintain diplomatic interactions and promote peace and stability in Myanmar.

Conclusion

• Security, connectivity and regional integration agenda of India is intricately linked with cooperation with Myanmar.
• Such greater cooperation in combatting transnational threats and strengthening infrastructure and economic integration will boost bilateral ties and foster peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
• Indian policies of Neighbourhood First and Act East must continue to interact with Myanmar if its policy initiatives are to be successful.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

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