Indo Myanmar

India and the world

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Indian Economy - Understanding the basics of Indian economic system

India must engage with Myanmar

Context: Following the military coup in Myanmar, India should adopt a policy that should be a balance of India’s interest and India’s norms.

Notwithstanding the unfortunate developments since the Tatmadaw took over, a recalibration exercise for developing a robust relationship with Naypyidaw is the need of the hour.

What should be India’s policy after Tatmadaw (military) took over?

India should implement an unbiased and proactive “Neighbourhood First” strategy that facilitates the Act East policy crucial for India’s long-term security and economic interests.
To strengthen its relationship with Myanmar, India should support its critical requirements of systems and platforms like UAVs, surveillance systems, and communication equipment.
It should also fasten the completion of the earlier agreement on the operationalization of the Sittwe port, the establishment of an oil refinery, and joint vaccine production facilities for $6 billion.
Considering this, the Indian foreign secretary’s visit in December 2021 to Myanmar marks great importance. It was the first visit by a senior official from the liberal world and has set the stage for rapprochement and dialogue with Myanmar

Need for proactive neighbourhood policy with Myanmar

Security and economic interests: India should implement an unbiased and proactive “Neighbourhood First” strategy that facilitates the Act East policy crucial for India’s long-term security and economic interests.
Myanmar — regardless of who governs its polity — is not only the decisive lynchpin for India’s Act East policy but critical for the economic development and security of India’s Northeast.
China factor: Such a policy should take into account the measures that China has taken to arm the Tatmadaw.

How to support Myanmar?

Critical requirements: India should find ways to support Naypyidaw for its critical requirements of systems and platforms like UAVs, surveillance systems and communication equipment.
Economic engagement: There is a need for dynamic economic engagement with Myanmar, to expedite the completion of the earlier agreement on the operationalisation of the Sittwe port, the establishment of an oil refinery and joint vaccine production facilities at a cost of $6 billion.
People-to-people goodwill: India also needs to proactively employ the existing “people-to-people” goodwill and proximate ties between the two armies.
Engage with military leadership to stop highhandedness: India has the singular advantage of acceptability from both factions in Myanmar and it is, therefore, imperative that it takes the lead in engaging with the ruling military leadership, to stop the highhandedness.
It conveyed the message that India, notwithstanding its commitment to democracy, is amenable to conduct business with the country, regardless of who is in the seat of power.

Road Ahead

India need to do to strengthen its relationship with Myanmar by Kick-start the process of peace and stability, Proactively employ the existing “people-to-people” goodwill and Proximate ties between the two armies. It is of the utmost importance for India to positively engage Naypyidaw and stave off attempts to exploit Myanmar by countries inimical to India’s growth.