India–Myanmar Relations (English)
1. Historical Background
Ancient Ties: India and Myanmar share centuries-old cultural, religious, and trade ties. Buddhism spread from India to Myanmar in the 3rd century BCE during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, forming a spiritual and cultural link that continues today.
Colonial Period: Myanmar was part of British India until 1937, after which it became a separate colony. During this period, significant migration of Indian workers took place. Myanmar gained independence in 1948, around the same time as India.
Post-Independence: India and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1948. Relations remained cordial initially but faced challenges during Myanmar’s prolonged military rule. Despite ups and downs, cultural and geographical proximity has kept the relationship important.
2. Major Disputes
Border Issues: India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. This border is porous, leading to challenges such as smuggling, illegal migration, and cross-border insurgency.
Insurgency: Indian insurgent groups have used Myanmar’s territory as bases for launching attacks in India’s Northeast. India and Myanmar have conducted joint operations to neutralize these groups.
Rohingya Issue: The Rohingya refugee crisis in Myanmar has spilled over into India, creating both humanitarian and security challenges. India faces the dual task of providing assistance while addressing domestic security concerns.
3. Areas of Cooperation
Trade & Economy: Myanmar is India’s gateway to Southeast Asia under the Act East Policy. India is among Myanmar’s major trading partners, with significant border trade and investment in sectors such as energy and infrastructure.
Connectivity: Major projects include the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which links India’s Northeast to the Bay of Bengal, and the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, which aims to boost regional connectivity.
Security: Both countries cooperate on counter-insurgency and intelligence sharing to address cross-border militancy and organized crime.
Energy: India invests in Myanmar’s oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors to diversify its energy supply.
Cultural Ties: Buddhism and shared festivals form strong cultural bonds. People-to-people exchanges continue to strengthen mutual goodwill.
4. Current Status (2015–2024)
India actively engages Myanmar under its Act East and Neighbourhood First policies. Infrastructure and connectivity projects remain a key focus, although delays persist.
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar complicated relations. India has balanced its stance, supporting democracy while maintaining ties with the military government for security and strategic reasons.
China’s growing influence in Myanmar through ports, pipelines, and military supplies poses a strategic challenge for India. Despite this, India continues to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and connectivity.
5. Challenges
• Rohingya refugee crisis and its security implications.
• Chinese strategic dominance in Myanmar.
• Delays in completing infrastructure projects such as the Kaladan Project and Trilateral Highway.
• Cross-border insurgency and drug trafficking.
6. Way Forward
• Accelerate infrastructure projects to integrate Northeast India with Southeast Asia.
• Enhance counter-insurgency cooperation and joint border management.
• Provide credible investment and development alternatives to balance Chinese influence.
• Extend humanitarian assistance while promoting democratic values.
• Leverage regional platforms such as BIMSTEC and ASEAN to deepen strategic and economic integration.