India–Myanmar Relations: MCQs and Long Answer Questions (English)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Myanmar was part of British India until:
Options: a) 1927 b) 1937 c) 1942 d) 1948
Answer: b) 1937
Explanation: Myanmar was separated from British India in 1937 and became independent in 1948.
Q2. India and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in:
Options: a) 1947 b) 1948 c) 1950 d) 1952
Answer: b) 1948
Explanation: Formal diplomatic ties were established soon after Myanmar’s independence.
Q3. India and Myanmar share a border of approximately:
Options: a) 543 km b) 1,000 km c) 1,643 km d) 2,200 km
Answer: c) 1,643 km
Explanation: The India–Myanmar border passes through four Indian states: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Q4. Which Indian policy emphasizes Myanmar’s role as a gateway to Southeast Asia?
Options: a) Neighbourhood First Policy b) Look East Policy c) Act East Policy d) SAGAR
Answer: c) Act East Policy
Explanation: Myanmar is central to India’s Act East Policy due to its geographical location.
Q5. Which connectivity project links India’s Northeast to the Bay of Bengal through Myanmar?
Options: a) Trilateral Highway b) Kaladan Multi-Modal Project c) BIMSTEC Corridor d) East-West Highway
Answer: b) Kaladan Multi-Modal Project
Explanation: It connects Kolkata Port to Sittwe in Myanmar and then to India’s Northeast.
Q6. Which highway project involves India, Myanmar, and Thailand?
Options: a) BIMSTEC Highway b) Trilateral Highway c) East Asia Corridor d) South Asia Highway
Answer: b) Trilateral Highway
Explanation: The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway aims to enhance regional connectivity.
Q7. Which issue has led to refugee inflows into India from Myanmar?
Options: a) Naga insurgency b) Rohingya crisis c) Military coup d) Drug trafficking
Answer: b) Rohingya crisis
Explanation: The Rohingya issue has led to significant refugee inflows into India.
Q8. India and Myanmar conduct joint operations to counter:
Options: a) Drug trafficking b) Maritime piracy c) Insurgent groups d) Illegal mining
Answer: c) Insurgent groups
Explanation: Indian insurgent groups often use Myanmar’s territory, necessitating joint counter-insurgency operations.
Q9. Which country’s growing influence in Myanmar poses strategic challenges for India?
Options: a) USA b) Russia c) China d) Japan
Answer: c) China
Explanation: China’s investments in ports, pipelines, and military supplies increase its influence in Myanmar.
Q10. Which regional grouping links India, Myanmar, and other Bay of Bengal countries?
Options: a) BIMSTEC b) SAARC c) ASEAN d) SCO
Answer: a) BIMSTEC
Explanation: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation includes India and Myanmar.
Long Answer Questions
Q: Discuss the historical background of India–Myanmar relations.
Answer:
India and Myanmar share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. Buddhism, introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka’s emissaries, became the strongest cultural bond. Trade links between coastal regions of India and Myanmar existed for centuries, strengthening economic interdependence.
Colonially, Myanmar was part of British India until 1937, after which it became a separate colony. Indian workers migrated in large numbers, influencing Myanmar’s demographics. When Myanmar gained independence in 1948, India was among the first to establish diplomatic ties. Both nations enjoyed cordial relations in the early years, reinforced by shared colonial legacies and cultural bonds.
However, Myanmar’s military rule strained ties. Despite political differences, India maintained engagement, guided by geographic proximity and mutual interests. Today, India views Myanmar as vital to its Act East Policy and a bridge to Southeast Asia, while cultural and historical linkages continue to provide a strong foundation.
Q: Explain the border issues and insurgency challenges in India–Myanmar relations.
Answer:
India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km long porous border across four Indian states. This border, while enabling trade and cultural exchange, also poses major security challenges. Smuggling, illegal migration, and human trafficking are frequent across this frontier.
A critical issue is the use of Myanmar’s territory by Indian insurgent groups from the Northeast. Groups such as NSCN-K and ULFA have historically used sanctuaries in Myanmar to launch attacks on Indian soil. This has compelled both governments to coordinate closely. Joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and border patrols have been undertaken to neutralize such threats.
Insurgency challenges are further compounded by drug trafficking from the Golden Triangle, which includes parts of Myanmar. The porous nature of the border demands stronger mechanisms, including better infrastructure, local cooperation, and trust between security forces.
Thus, border management and insurgency remain crucial challenges that directly affect the stability of bilateral ties.
Q: Evaluate the importance of connectivity projects between India and Myanmar.
Answer:
Connectivity projects are central to India–Myanmar relations as they directly contribute to India’s Act East Policy and regional integration. The most significant initiative is the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, linking Kolkata Port to Sittwe Port in Myanmar, then inland via Kaladan River to India’s Mizoram. This provides India’s landlocked Northeast access to the Bay of Bengal, reducing dependence on the narrow Siliguri Corridor.
The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway is another landmark project. Once completed, it will connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar. This highway will foster trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, boosting India’s economic footprint in Southeast Asia.
These projects are strategically important as they counter China’s influence in Myanmar and the wider Indo-Pacific. Although delayed, their completion would significantly enhance connectivity, economic integration, and strategic stability in the region.
Q: Analyze India’s response to the 2021 military coup in Myanmar.
Answer:
The 2021 military coup in Myanmar created a diplomatic dilemma for India. On one hand, India supports democracy and was concerned about the suppression of civilian leaders. On the other, Myanmar is a crucial neighbor for security cooperation, connectivity projects, and counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast.
India adopted a balanced approach. While expressing concern over the democratic rollback, India refrained from outright condemnation to preserve working relations with the military government. India prioritized stability on its border, protection of its investments, and prevention of Myanmar falling entirely under China’s influence.
India also engaged with multiple stakeholders, including democratic forces and the military junta, while emphasizing peaceful dialogue. This pragmatic approach reflects India’s strategic calculation: supporting democracy without jeopardizing critical security and geopolitical interests.
The coup highlighted India’s need to balance values with realpolitik, ensuring both regional stability and long-term goodwill.
Q: Suggest measures to strengthen India–Myanmar relations in the future.
Answer:
To strengthen India–Myanmar relations, multiple steps are necessary. Firstly, India must accelerate connectivity projects like the Kaladan Project and the Trilateral Highway. These will integrate India’s Northeast with Southeast Asia and promote economic growth.
Secondly, border management must be improved through better surveillance, fencing in sensitive areas, and enhanced cooperation with Myanmar’s security forces. Joint efforts against insurgent groups and drug trafficking are crucial.
Thirdly, India should expand economic engagement by increasing trade, investing in energy and infrastructure, and supporting Myanmar’s capacity-building. Providing alternatives to Chinese projects will make India a more reliable partner.
Fourthly, cultural diplomacy should be deepened. Shared Buddhist heritage and people-to-people exchanges should be promoted through tourism and educational programs.
Finally, India must adopt a balanced foreign policy that engages both democratic actors and the military government in Myanmar. This dual engagement ensures stability while supporting democratic aspirations.
These measures, if implemented consistently, will consolidate India–Myanmar relations as a cornerstone of India’s regional strategy.