Contemporary Foreign Policy under Modi — Latest Development

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing has assured that he will not allow the use of his country's territory by groups that pose a security threat to Indian interests. This assurance was given during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where broad-spectrum conversations were held, including calls for dialogue between the military junta-backed government and the pro-democracy Opposition. The discussion also included the issue of continued detention of former leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. This development is significant in the context of India-Myanmar relations, which are governed by the Treaty of Friendship signed in 1951.

Historical Context of India-Myanmar Relations

India and Myanmar share a long history of cultural and economic ties, with the two countries being part of the same British Indian Empire. After independence, India and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1948. The relationship has been shaped by various factors, including geography, history, and strategic interests. The Look East Policy initiated by India in the 1990s aimed to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar. This policy has been further strengthened by the Act East Policy, which was launched in 2014.

• ▸The India-Myanmar Border Trade Agreement was signed in 1994 to promote trade and commerce between the two countries.
• ▸The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a key infrastructure project that aims to connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe port in Myanmar.
• ▸The Trilateral Highway project aims to connect India, Myanmar, and Thailand, promoting regional connectivity and economic integration.

Security Cooperation and Challenges

Security cooperation is a critical aspect of India-Myanmar relations, with both countries facing common security challenges, including insurgency and terrorism. The presence of insurgent groups from India's northeastern region on Myanmar territory has been a concern for India. The National Security Act of India provides a framework for addressing security threats, including those emanating from neighboring countries. India has been seeking cooperation from Myanmar to address these security concerns, and the recent assurance by President U Min Aung Hlaing is a positive development in this regard.

Economic Cooperation and Future Prospects

Economic cooperation is another key aspect of India-Myanmar relations, with both countries having significant potential for trade and investment. The India-Myanmar Trade Agreement was signed in 2007 to promote bilateral trade. India has been investing in various infrastructure projects in Myanmar, including the Sittwe Port and the Trilateral Highway. The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area agreement has also provided a framework for promoting trade and economic cooperation between India and Myanmar.

• ▸The Indian Investment in Myanmar has been increasing in recent years, with significant investments in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• ▸The Myanmar Investment Law provides a framework for promoting foreign investment in the country.
• ▸The India-Myanmar Bilateral Investment Treaty aims to promote and protect investments between the two countries.

Conclusion and Future Directions

In conclusion, the recent assurance by President U Min Aung Hlaing is a positive development in India-Myanmar relations, particularly in the context of security cooperation. The relationship between the two countries is governed by various frameworks, including the Treaty of Friendship and the India-Myanmar Border Trade Agreement. The Act East Policy and the Look East Policy have provided a strategic framework for promoting economic and strategic ties between India and Myanmar. The future of India-Myanmar relations will depend on various factors, including the ability of both countries to address common security challenges and promote economic cooperation.