India – Myanmar RelationsAfter 2010 Elections

ByNyunt Maung SheinRetired Ambassador

January 2012, Hong Kong

INDIA - MYANMAR RELATIONS

* India and Myanmar entertained relations since

time immemorial

* Strong linkage through religion

* Both countries were colonized by the British

* After long and arduous struggle independence

came to India in 1947 and Myanmar in 1948

Post independent Myanmar can be divided into six eras

1) Parliamentary Democracy Era from 1948 to 1958

2) Caretaker Government of General Ne Win from 1958 to 1960

3) The Revolutionary Council Era from 1962 to 1974

4) The Socialist Era from 1974 to 1988

5) The SLORC and subsequently the SPDC Era from 1988 to 2011

6) The civilian government which emerged as a result of the 2010 elections (30 March 2011 onwards)

In more than 60 years of independence Myanmar’s political system underwent transformation –

1) from parliamentary democracy to military rule (Caretaker government of 18 months)

2) military rule to parliamentary democracy

3) parliamentary democracy back to military rule

4) military rule to socialist rule

5) socialist rule to military rule

6) military rule to multi-party democracy

Close relations in the first era further cemented by strong and close personal ties between PMs U Nu and Jawaharlal Nehru

During the Revolutionary Council Era India and Myanmar enjoyed amicable relations

* Personal rapport at the top level between General Ne Win and Indira Gandhi were good but not as close as it used to be under U Nu and Nehru

* This era witnessed the demarcation of the boundary which was inherited from the British. Both sides felt the urgent need for secure borders due to insurgencies

* Final boundary treaty could not be concluded as there were disputes in two spots

* Boundary demarcation marked an important milestone in the bilateral relations

Continuation of cordial but correct relations during the Socialist Era

However, relations dropped to their lowest level since independence due to nationalization of foreign owned business concerns

The issue of compensation to Indians who suffered heavy losses became a sticky point in the bilateral relations

The SLORC/SPDC Era

* With the advent of the SLORC, pro-democracy elements sought refuge in India

* India provided them sanctuary and extended strong support to their cause

* The military government construed India’s actions as unbecoming of a traditionally friendly neighbour

* Bilateral relations sank to the lowest ebb for the second time

* Introduction of Look East Policy by India in 1992 gradually restored the strained relations

The ice breaking visit by the Vice Chairman of the SPDC, General Maung Aye to India in 2000 ushered in a new chapter in India – Myanmar relations

Frequent exchange of visits at the top level became the hallmark of the bilateral relations in the SPDC Era

Reciprocal exchange of visits at ministerial and military leaders’ level complemented the high level visits

Mutual trust and confidence further strengthened

* Elections of 2010 in Myanmar signaled the beginning of the sixth era

* New political landscape emerged – the Parliament or Hltuttaw consisting of the Pyithu Hluttaw, the A Myo Thar Hluttaw and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and local assemblies at regional and state levels were constituted

* Multi-party democracy restored in more than five decades

* State power transferred to new civilian government on 30 March 2011 by the SPDC

* Dissolution of the SPDC and its subordinate PDCs

* Importance of India and Myanmar to each other

* Shared security concerns along border areas

* Border demarcated but porous, weakly controlled * Naga separatists on India side of border operate along common border

* Likewise, presence of Chin and Rakhine armed groups near the border areas pose security challenge for Myanmar

* Non-traditional security issues such as human and narcotics trafficking, illegal trade in arms and contraband goods are rampant in border areas. These need to be addressed by both sides

* Military action alone could not eradicate the insurgency along the border. Political solution in respective countries must be searched

* Rise and expansion of China’s military power and Myanmar’s close relations with China – cause for serious apprehension for India

* China seeks shortest possible route to the sea through Myanmar. Pipeline project to convey natural gas from offshore Myanmar to Yunnan Province, China is underway. Plans to construct a high speed railway from Chinese border to KyaukPhyu, Rakhine state under consideration

Stable Myanmar is in the interest of India

Myanmar needs India for - 1) It’s all round development2) Experience and knowledge with democracy

Myanmar’s energy resources attractive to India

Economic cooperation – 1) Augment trade and investment2) Enhance border trade

Myanmar’s unique position - - - acts as bridge between India and ASEAN

Trilateral highway project to boost trade between ASEAN and India

India – Myanmar relations in the sixth era further intensified President U Thein Sein’s visit – October 2011 Parliamentary delegation visit – December 2011 Room for further enhancement of bilateral relations India should take a more proactive role in its relations with Myanmar It should urge western nations to lift sanctions imposed on Myanmar Encourage Myanmar to take more reforms in the political and economic transformation

Political and economic stability of Myanmar based on a solid democratic system will greatly benefit India

Prospects for future India – Myanmar relations

Myanmar sandwiched between two giants

Myanmar-China border 2,400 kms

Myanmar-India border 1,600 kms

Population of China and India exceeds one billion

Both posses nuclear capability

Historically China regarded Myanmar vassal state

China and India influenced Myanmar’s culture

Isolation by west - - - Myanmar close relations with China

China supported Myanmar in 1988

India supported democracy movement in 1988

Relations with China is special – that of Paukphaw relations (Kinsmen like)

China and Myanmar relations - - - strategic partnership

Multilateral front - - - both China and India supported Myanmar

China’s support stronger than India’s

India – Myanmar relations in the ASEAN context. India can play major role in realizing ASEAN Community by 2015 ; especially in enhacing ASEAN – India connectivity

India could contribute towards road and rail connectivity between ASEAN and ASEAN through Myanmar East – West Corridor connecting Danang (Vietnam) and Dawei (Myanmar) will benefit not only ASEAN but India as well Myanmar benefits from India’s initiative to support the “Initiative for ASEAN integration”

India – Myanmar relations are mutually beneficial and reinforcing

India and Myanmar cannot afford to ignore one another

Ways and means to further enhance bilateral relations

1) Political level – Exchange of visits at various levels strengthen mutual trust and confidence Regular consultations between Home/Foreign Ministries

2) Defense level – Exchange of visits of senior military officers Training of military personnel in India

3) Interaction between civil society, national NGOs

4) Enhancement of trade and investment Opening of Trade Offices in respective capitals Expansion of border trade Myanmar’s new law for investment

5) People to people contact Increase in tourism Awareness of each other’s culture, history, etc.

6) Education and health Provide scholarships by India Exchange of visits in the medical profession

7) Connectivity – step up construction of Trilateral Highway Project

8) Cooperation – framework of ASEAN, GMC, etc.

T H A N K Y O U