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Rohingya Crisis |
Why in News- A tragic drone attack was carried out targeting Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar, resulting in the death of several dozen people.
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UPSC Syllabus: Prelims: Current Affairs of National and International Importance Mains: GS-II: India and its Neighbourhood- Relations. |
Who are the Rohingya?
• The Rohingya are an ethnic minority, predominantly Muslim, who have lived in Myanmar’s Rakhine State for generations.
• The Myanmar government denies citizenship to the Rohingya under the 1982 Myanmar Nationality Law, which prohibits the granting of full citizenship to certain ethnic groups not recognized as indigenous.
• Despite their long history in the region, the Myanmar government does not recognize them as citizens, leaving them stateless.
• The Rohingya have their distinct language, culture, and religion, which sets them apart from the predominantly Buddhist population in Myanmar.
• The Rohingya have faced systemic discrimination, exclusion, and violence for decades, which has escalated in recent years.
What is the Rohingya Crisis?
2017 military crackdown:
• The crackdown was in response to alleged attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) on Myanmar police posts.
• The military’s response was disproportionately violent, leading to the deaths of thousands of Rohingya and the displacement of over 730,000 into neighboring Bangladesh.
International response:
• The United Nations and other international organizations have condemned the Myanmar military’s actions, with the UN describing the violence as carried out “with genocidal intent”.
• Despite international pressure, the situation remains unresolved, violence continues and accountability is lacking.
Current Status:
• Until 2024, the Rohingya are in a precarious situation, with those who have fled to Bangladesh living in overcrowded refugee camps, while those remaining in Myanmar face severe restrictions on their movement, access to healthcare, and basic rights.
India-Myanmar Bilateral Relations:
Historical Ties Between India and Myanmar
Cultural and Religious Ties
• India and Myanmar have deep historical and cultural ties dating back centuries.
• The spread of Buddhism from India to Myanmar is an important aspect of this relationship.
• Buddhism is predominantly practiced in Myanmar, and the teachings of the Buddha, which originated in India, have had a profound influence on the country’s culture and society.
Buddhist Influence:
• Buddhism serves as a cultural bridge between the two countries.
• Many pilgrims from Myanmar visit Buddhist sites in India, such as Bodh Gaya and Sarnath, which are central to Buddhism.
Colonial past
• Both India and Myanmar were part of the British Empire, which left a lasting impact on the political and administrative systems of both countries.
• The shared colonial past has also influenced their post-independence foreign policies and bilateral relations.
Shared struggles:
• The colonial experience has created a sense of solidarity between India and Myanmar, as both nations fought for independence from British rule.
• This shared history is reflected in the mutual respect and understanding that underpins their bilateral relationship today.
The geopolitical importance of Myanmar to India
Strategic location
• Myanmar’s strategic location makes it an important partner for India, especially in the context of India’s “Act East” policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia.
Gateway to Southeast Asia:
• Myanmar serves as a land bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia, making it essential for regional connectivity projects.
• It also provides India access to the Bay of Bengal, which is vital for India’s maritime security and trade routes.
Border Security:
• India shares a 1,643-km border with Myanmar, which is crucial for maintaining security in India’s northeastern states.
• The porous border has been a cause of concern for both countries due to insurgency, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.
Act East Policy
• Myanmar is central to India’s “Act East” policy, which seeks to enhance economic, strategic, and cultural ties with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.
Strategic Partnership:
• Through the Act East policy, India aims to build strong partnerships with Myanmar and other ASEAN countries.
• Myanmar’s cooperation is crucial for the success of regional connectivity projects, trade agreements, and strategic partnerships.
Countering China’s Influence:
• Myanmar’s strategic location also makes it a key in India’s efforts to counter China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia.
• India’s engagement with Myanmar is part of a broader strategy to ensure a balance of power in the region.
Economic Relations between India and Myanmar
India and Myanmar have significant economic ties, with trade and investment being key components of their bilateral relationship.
Bilateral Trade:
• India is one of Myanmar’s largest trading partners, with a bilateral Trade set to reach around $1.3 billion in FY 2022-2023.
• India’s main exports to Myanmar include pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products, while Myanmar exports beans, pulses, and wood products to India.
Investment Opportunities:
• Indian companies have invested in various sectors in Myanmar, including oil and gas, infrastructure, and telecommunications.
• Indian companies are also involved in energy projects, especially in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas reserves.
Key Infrastructure Projects
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway:
• This highway project aims to connect the northeastern states of India with Myanmar and Thailand, thereby boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
• Once completed, it will serve as a vital link between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project:
• The project is designed to connect India’s northeastern states with Myanmar’s Rakhine State, providing an alternative trade route via the Sittwe port and the Kaladan River.
• It involves the construction of a highway, a port, and a river transport system.
Cross-border rail connectivity:
• India and Myanmar are also exploring the possibility of cross-border rail connectivity to enhance connectivity.
• The proposed rail link will facilitate the movement of goods and people, thereby boosting economic activity in the region.
Security Concerns Related to India-Myanmar Relations
Security Threats Posed by Illegal Migration
• Illegal transborder migration refers to the unauthorized movement of people across borders, which can have significant security implications for the receiving country.
• India shares long, porous borders with many of its neighbors, including Myanmar, making it susceptible to illegal migration.
Demographic Change: Illegal migration can lead to demographic shifts, especially in sensitive border areas. This may increase ethnic tensions and lead to social unrest.
Insurgency and militancy: The arrival of illegal migrants may provide an opening for insurgents and militants to enter India. India’s northeastern states, which share borders with Myanmar, have historically faced problems of insurgency, and illegal migration may further complicate counterterrorism efforts.
Cross-border crime: Illegal migration often occurs simultaneously with cross-border crime, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms smuggling. These activities can destabilize border areas and pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Pressure on resources: A large influx of illegal migrants may put pressure on local resources, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, leading to resentment among the local population.
Free Movement Regime on India-Myanmar Border
Free Movement Regime (FMR)
• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is an arrangement between India and Myanmar that allows people living within 16 km of the border on either side to travel across the border without a visa.
• The arrangement is designed to facilitate traditional social and economic ties between communities on both sides of the border.
Key Features of FMR
Cultural and Family Ties: FMR recognizes the deep cultural and family ties that exist between people living in border areas. It allows them to continue their traditional practices such as trade, religious activities, and festivals without the need for a visa.
Economic Connectivity: FMR also supports local economies by allowing cross-border trade and commerce, which is vital to the livelihoods of people in these remote areas.
Security Concerns: While FMR facilitates legitimate movement, it also poses security challenges. The porous nature of the border and ease of movement can be exploited by insurgents, militants, and criminal elements, raising concerns about national security.
Recent developments: Growing security concerns, especially the increasing insurgent activities in Myanmar, have led to calls for a review of the FMR. The Indian government has been working on measures to strengthen security while preserving the benefits of the FMR.
India’s diplomatic approach to Myanmar since the coup in Myanmar
Background to the coup
• In February 2021, Myanmar’s military seized power from the democratically elected government, leading to widespread protests and a violent crackdown on dissent.
• The coup has plunged Myanmar into political instability, with significant ramifications for the region.
India’s diplomatic approach
India’s diplomatic approach to Myanmar since the coup has been characterized by a careful balance between promoting democratic values and protecting its strategic interests.
Condemnation of violence: India has expressed concern over the violence in Myanmar and called for the restoration of democracy and the release of political prisoners. However, India’s statements have been restrained, reflecting the need to maintain stable relations with the military junta.
Engagement with the military: Despite the coup, India has continued to support Myanmar in border security, and regional connectivity projects, and India has continued to engage with the military to safeguard its strategic interests, including investments in Myanmar’s energy sector.
Humanitarian Assistance: India has provided humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance is part of India’s broader diplomatic strategy to maintain goodwill and influence in Myanmar.
Balancing the Relationship: India’s approach has been to balance its commitment to democratic principles with pragmatic considerations of regional security and stability. India is wary of China’s growing influence in Myanmar and seeks to gain a foothold in the country through diplomatic engagement.