A sound neighourhood policy has assumed primary importance within the Manmohan Singh Government. For reasons of vital national interest and geo-strategy, New Delhi has had to swallow a barrage of criticism and re-orient its priorities to develop good relations with Naypyitaw (Myanmar’s new administrative Capital). Situated just across the disturbed eastern border of India, prudence demanded Indian policymakers to develop a habit of cooperation with the military junta in Myanmar.
Moreover, at a time when the Manmohan Singh Government is intensely engaged in re-emphasizing the importance of India’s ‘Look East Policy’, Myanmar assumes increasing salience as a sort of gateway to South East Asia.
In fact, Myanmar’s boundary with India that stretches over more than 1640 kilometers and borders four North-Eastern States is both a matter of concern as well as opportunities galore if effectively managed. The border has been notorious for its porous nature mainly exploited for smuggling arms and drugs. But, if they could be turned into an effective bridge for India’s foray further into South East Asia, it could be a win-win situation for both sides, especially for India’s North-Eastern border States.
As expected, New Delhi’s evolving relations with the military junta has been a matter of serious debate and concern given the inherent contradictions. Indeed, Myanmar and India are like oil and water. No two countries could be more different vis-à-vis the nature of their governance and the freedom accorded to citizens.
But despite of all the difference, the two countries are seriously engaging each other. Clearly, evident in the high level visits that have taken place from both sides. The most recent being the official visit of the Head of State and Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar senior General Than Shwe to India in July last year. Prior to that, Vice President Hamid Ansari had visited Myanmar in February 2009.
Away from the media glare, India and Myanmar recently concluded the 16th Home Secretary-level meeting in New Delhi. Whereby, in their effort to tackle cross border illegal activities, the two neighbours have ratified the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on criminal matters. According to sources, action against insurgent groups along the international border, strengthening of intelligence sharing mechanism, arms smuggling and drugs trafficking formed a major part of the talks. Issues relating to border management and border trade were also discussed.
During General Than Swe’s visit, both New Delhi and Naypyitaw reiterated the assurance that the territory of either would not be allowed for activities inimical to the other. Both resolved not to allow their respective territory to be used for training, sanctuary and other operations by terrorist and insurgent organizations and their operatives.
India is engaged in a number of projects in Myanmar. But, more needs to be done to further increase the volume of legitimate figures and use the area as a gateway to further economic integration with South East Asia. Thus, creating a sort of transparent and enterprise-driven economic continuum in the region that serves everyone’s interest. For this to see the light of day, security in the border areas needs to be taken care of so as to drastically decrease the volume of black marketing and other forms of illegitimate transactions.
The efforts made in increasing the legitimate business potential of this area should be integrated with India’s larger ‘Look East Policy’. Both sides have welcomed the increase in the volume of trade to more than US$ 1 billion per annum. Appreciations have been shown towards the progress of the implementation of ventures in the transport sector, energy, telecom et al.
As the world skeptically questions whether the release of the iconic pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi would lead to any tangible reform in the junta-led Myanmar, India has often been accused of settling into a cosy arrangement with the military leaders who have denied legitimacy to the democratic movement led by Suu Kyi, keeping her under house arrest for a major part of her active political life.
One is also reminded of the crackdown of the anti-Government “Saffron Revolution” led by Buddhist monks in 2007. Despite constant and widespread international criticism, the junta has autocratically hung on to power and hence is the only channel of communication and diplomacy with Myanmar.
India is indeed in a predicament trying to balance its adherence to the ideals of democracy and the demands of national security. The debate cannot be ducked. But diplomacy in the real world cannot be run by idealism alone, and a country’s vital interests and national security cannot be assured by mere adherence to textbook democratic norm.
So when western leaders like President Obama speak about India found wanting in its response to human rights issues like in the case of Myanmar, the Indian diplomatic core needs to make them understand that India does not have the luxury of not dealing with a neighbour that sits just across its porous eastern border, home to various secessionist movements and other illegal activities. A country like America most of all should understand this problem given the quandary it faces in securing the US-Mexican border.
India as an effectively functioning democracy would indeed welcome the onset democracy in Myanmar. Following Suu Kyi’s release, the External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said in a statement: “The Government of India welcomes her release. We hope this will be the beginning of the process of reconciliation in Myanmar.”
But, New Delhi neither helps itself nor Naypyitaw by going gung-ho and solo about bringing drastic reforms in Myanmar. If every other country is serious about doing something beyond mere rhetoric, then there should be a concerted international effort to pressure the military junta to open up and set the pace for an inclusive democracy.
Besides, New Delhi has been accused enough of playing the “big brother” in the region and India’s interference for drastic democratic reforms in Myanmar might have negative implications in its North-Eastern border. Also, major powers including the US cannot boast of a very clean record if it comes to their responses to autocratic regimes at times when their national interests have been at stake. Diplomacy demands adherence to pragmatism and real politik and slight dilution of certain ideals the country is known for.
Furthermore, given the inroads China has made in Myanmar and its expanding footprints of investments in the country, India has reason enough to be on its heels when it comes to engaging with the ruling establishment there. In the face of unabashed Chinese support to Myanmar’s military leaders, India cannot feign ignorance of what is happening across its eastern border.
New Delhi will only jeopardize its own security by cutting off ties with the junta. If when the winds of change blow in neighbouring Myanmar, India will undoubtedly be one of the first countries to welcome a democratic Myanmar but until then, India has to walk the tight rope and sleep with the “beast” if that is how the world sees the junta. INFA