India should review its Myanmar policy

Context

The ongoing conflict between ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and the military junta in Myanmar has created a serious humanitarian crisis, prompting some experts to call for India to review its policy towards the country. As a neighboring country with deep historical and political ties to Myanmar, India’s approach should prioritize humanitarian assistance, support for displaced people, and regional stability.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

• The political conflict in Myanmar has escalated by creating many cycles of violence and forced displacement, with the military using force against EAOs and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) continuing to fuel it. Over thirty percent of young kids under the age of five are stunted, malnutrition is prominent and diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis are commonplace. There are reports of young people who have sustained injuries and need medical treatment, however, there is limited health care.
• The humanitarian crisis is unfolding before India because refugees are now crossing into the Northeast region of the country. According to the governments 70,000 Burmese refugees are residing in India while unofficial count is double that number. The arrival of more refugees will pose a great peril to the ductility of the peace in Northeast while simultaneously raising a string of new challenges to India’s process of developmentalism for the region from within.

India’s Traditional Policy Towards Myanmar

• Traditional Indian policy towards Myanmar can be considered as a foreign policy strategy that emerged as a result of British colonial policy towards the region.
• India’s traditional policy towards Myanmar has had two main components: maintaining good relations with the military junta and backing up the democrats in order to encourage democracy. However, the situation in Myanmar changed a lot over the three-year period o For the last three years, the military cannot dictate things in the country and people actively protest against the military rule.
• Presently the junta is controlling about half the country while the other half is divided into many parts. This ‘perfect stalemate’ in the power struggle between the military and civilian government in Myanmar is a good enough reason for India to rethink its approach and look for ways to bring a non-violent change.

Reasons for India to Review its Policy

There are several compelling reasons for India to review its Myanmar policy in light of the humanitarian crisis:

• Humanitarian assistance: India, hence, would need to look for measures to offer humanitarian assistance to the affected zones, especially the border ones along with Myanmar, to reduce human suffering and show unity with the Burmese people.
• Engaging with EAOs: A few professionals have suggested that India should open a line of communication with the EAOs for assistance of the civilian population. Thus, the EAOs currently occupy a large area of Myanmar’s territory and are being supplied by China, who has friendly relations with the military regime.
• Regional stability: The essence of stability in Myanmar is in the security interest of the neighborhood because the country borders India, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Laos. India should look for the support of regional specialists and neighboring countries that may help find the ways to solve the problem nonviolently.
• International prestige: In other words, assertiveness on Myanmar and leadership in the reform process might add to India’s soft power and strengthen its claim for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Challenges and Considerations

However, reviewing India’s Myanmar policy is not without challenges and considerations:

• Balancing relations with major powers: India has not gained any kudos in the west by sticking to its Myanmar policy; however, trying to effect change in Myanmar may be given respect by many of the major powers.
• Engaging with the military junta: However, as far as the humanitarian crisis is concerned, India has always managed to sustain a favorable diplomatic stance towards the military junta for long. Anything that sought to alter this approach would have to be done slowly and through negotiation with the junta.
• Potential risks: categorized humanitarian aid and interacting with EAOs could have dangers: Indian rebels would possibly employ Burmese weapons, the Burmese military junta could use Indian help to suppress its citizens.

Conclusion

The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar has reached a critical point, and India must consider reviewing its policy towards the country. While maintaining good relations with the military junta has been a priority, the current situation requires a more nuanced approach that prioritizes humanitarian assistance, support for displaced people, and regional stability.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which of the following is the most compelling reason for India to review its policy towards Myanmar?

a) The influx of refugees from Myanmar into India’s northeastern states

b) The need to balance China’s growing influence in Myanmar

c) The coordination between ethnic armed groups and the People’s Defence Force against the military junta

d) All of the above

Ans: “d”

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