India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act Amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN Struggles

Source: The post India’s diplomatic balancing act amid Myanmar Civil War and ASEAN struggles has been created, based on the article “A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar” published in “The Hindu” on 30th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses Myanmar’s ongoing civil war, ASEAN’s struggle to mediate peace, and India’s delicate position balancing security and diplomacy. ASEAN faces internal divisions, while India focuses on regional connectivity and stability amid Myanmar’s political turmoil and humanitarian crisis.

For detailed information on India-Myanmar Relations Amid Myanmar Civil War read this article here

What is the crisis in Myanmar?

1. Since a military coup in 2021, Myanmar is in crisis.
2. A brutal civil war rages between the junta, Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs), and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs).
3. Armed resistance groups hold large territories, even controlling six major border trade routes.
4. The junta’s violent suppression has displaced hundreds of thousands, creating a humanitarian emergency.
5. The United Nations estimates 18.6 million people need aid, including 6 million children.

How has ASEAN responded to Myanmar’s crisis?

1. ASEAN responded to Myanmar’s 2021 coup by breaking its non-interference policy, acknowledging the violation of ASEAN’s Charter on rule of law.
2. ASEAN created the Five-Point Consensus for peace, including violence cessation and humanitarian aid, yet implementation has been limited.
3. To pressure Myanmar, ASEAN excluded its military leaders from summits for non-compliance.
4. For the 44th ASEAN Summit, Myanmar sent a senior official, signaling slight engagement.
5. Thailand proposed informal talks involving ASEAN Troika (Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia) for diplomatic progress.

For detailed information on ASEAN’s Initiative to End Political Crisis in Myanmar read this article here

What are the challenges within ASEAN?

1. Internal Divisions: ASEAN members like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines advocate stronger actions, while others, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, maintain closer relations with Myanmar’s military government.
2. Non-Interference Policy: ASEAN broke its traditional non-interference stance in response to Myanmar’s 2021 coup, reflecting internal tensions over governance and rule of law.
3. Consensus-Based Decision-Making: ASEAN’s consensus model slows responses, as decisions require unanimity, weakening the bloc’s reaction to Myanmar’s crisis.
4. Limited Stakeholder Engagement: Thailand’s proposed talks focus on the junta and lack involvement from Myanmar’s National Unity Government and ethnic groups, limiting inclusivity.
5. Humanitarian Challenges: Thailand’s humanitarian corridor operates only in areas controlled by Myanmar’s junta, limiting effective aid distribution.

What is India’s stance on Myanmar?

1. Support for ASEAN’s Role: India endorses ASEAN’s centrality and its Five-Point Consensus for peace in Myanmar, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi at recent ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits.
2. Strategic Importance for Act East Policy: Myanmar is essential for India’s Act East Policy, serving as a land bridge to other ASEAN countries, with a 1,643 km shared border.
3. Regional Connectivity Projects: India is involved in projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway to boost trade and connectivity.
4. Developmental Assistance: India recently signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Myanmar under the Quick Impact Projects framework, backed by a $250,000 grant for agriculture, vocational training, disaster management, and education.
5. Border Security Measures: Concerns over regional stability and refugee influxes led India to fence its Myanmar border and discontinue the Free Movement Regime.
6. Broad Engagement Approach: India aims to engage with various stakeholders in Myanmar to safeguard its strategic interests while promoting peace.

Question for practice:

Examine how India balances its strategic interests and humanitarian concerns in Myanmar amid the ongoing civil war.