India should pivot Myanmar policy to democracy and security

Source: The post India should pivot Myanmar policy to democracy and security has been created, based on the article “Why a progressive Indian policy on Myanmar is more than plausible” published in “The Hindu” on 5th August 2025. India should pivot Myanmar policy to democracy and security.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: Three years after Myanmar’s military coup, India maintains formal ties with the junta, despite widespread killings and displacement. New Delhi has ignored Myanmar’s democratic resistance and defended its policy as serving national “interests”. The article urges India to adopt a values-based foreign policy rooted in democracy and human security.

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

Rethinking Interests and Values in Foreign Policy

1. Blurring the Line Between Interests and Values: Foreign policy rarely separates “interests” from “values” clearly, as both are subjectively defined. India’s current Myanmar approach treats “interests” narrowly, ignoring how democratic values can advance national goals.
2. A Progressive Shift in Perspective: India can redefine its “interests” by promoting democratic values like federalism and human security. Supporting Myanmar’s resistance aligns with India’s own democratic identity and enhances its regional standing.
3. Aligning with Democratic Aspirations: India has long served as a democratic model for Myanmar’s civil society. A shift to a values-based policy offers both strategic benefits and moral legitimacy.

Leveraging Democratic Federalism as Strategic Soft Power

1. India’s Democratic Model as a Regional Asset: India’s identity as a federal democracy can be used to influence Myanmar’s opposition forces seeking a new federal constitution. This distinguishes India from China.
2. Supporting Pro-Democracy Groups: India should actively support the National Unity Government, civil society, and ethnic resistance groups through training and institutional collaboration. This can help them build capacity and democratic institutions.
3. Outmanoeuvring China with Federalism: China can offer military hardware, but not democratic federalism. India can gain influence by selling ideas and cooperation, offering a unique advantage in the region.

Ending Support for the Myanmar Junta

1. Halt Weapon Transfers Immediately: Despite the junta’s brutal tactics, India has continued to supply it with military equipment. Justice For Myanmar reports transfers of 52 items, including communication parts, in January 2024.
2. Curb Naval Fuel Sales: Investigations reveal India sold over $1.5 million in navy-grade diesel to junta-linked entities. These sales must be stopped to prevent misuse against civilians.
3. Cutting Military Ties as a Moral Imperative: Since the Myanmar military uses all its forces against civilians, India’s continued support contradicts its democratic image and strategic interests.

Opening Humanitarian Corridors

1. Urgent Need for Border Relief: Conflict zones like Sagaing, Chin, and Rakhine face massive displacement. India should open cross-border humanitarian corridors to provide food, medicines, and shelter.
2. Reinstate the Free Movement Regime (FMR): The government must revoke the border fencing plan and restore FMR, suspended in February 2024, to allow emergency assistance.
3. Collaborate with Local and International Networks: India should partner with NGOs and adopt Thailand’s best practices in cross-border aid, ensuring aid reaches civilians, not the junta.

Ensuring Protection for Refugees

1. Stop Deportation and Detention of Asylum Seekers: Manipur has deported 115 asylum seekers; Assam holds 27 Chin refugees. India must treat them as refugees, not illegal immigrants.
2. Follow Non-Refoulement Principle: Even without ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention, India is bound by customary international law to avoid deporting people to danger zones.
3. Legal and Humanitarian Obligations: Both the Constitution and international norms allow India to protect refugees. Humane shelters should replace detentions to uphold India’s claimed moral leadership.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s current Myanmar policy balances national interests with democratic values and human security.