India received an excellent diplomatic guarantee, Myanmar once again making it clear that it will not allow any activities which are harmful to India.
The assurances are at the heart of the partnership which both countries are working to strengthen border management, fight insurgency, and enhance bilateral cooperation.
Myanmar’s commitment is especially important for India’s northeastern states, where security agencies have long voiced concern that insurgent groups are seeking shelter or working from areas near the India-Myanmar border.
The border is a distance of 1,600 km and links India’s states Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram to Myanmar.
It is this kind of geography that has made border security a key priority for the two governments.
Myanmar has made it clear in recent bilateral talks that it will respect India’s sovereignty and security interests.
New Delhi officials assured it they will not allow India’s land to be used as a base for anti-India militants and any such activities which will disrupt peace on the shared border.
The assurance is an indication of India and Myanmar’s long-standing partnership, which has more than security cooperation.
The two countries have been working together on infrastructure projects, trade, connectivity projects, disaster management, cultural exchange, etc. India hopes Myanmar is part of its Act East Policy which is to strengthen political, economic and strategic links with SE Asia.
The security cooperation between the two neighbors has developed steadily over generations. The sharing of information, coordination of border patrols and joint efforts against insurgents have made the region more peaceful.
India has always stressed the need for controlling cross-border movement of armed groups, illegal trafficking and smuggling networks.
The new assurance is also in the midst of ongoing problems in Myanmar in which political instability and internal conflict are in the background.
The two countries are working together to keep bilateral cooperation going for regional peace and border security but there are always problems in Myanmar. That is why these countries are always in touch with each other.
But Myanmar’s statement is viewed as a good thing in relation to mutual trust and strategic cooperation by analysts. Stability along the eastern border is very important not only for India’s security and economic development but also in the northeast in a way that will improve the economic development and connectivity of India.
A better security environment is projected to encourage trade, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges in the country.
The two countries are also working on connectivity projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
Once fully implemented, those programs will help to increase regional integration and economic opportunities.
As Indo-Pacific security dynamics in the region evolve, India’s interaction with Myanmar is one of the most important elements of the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Myanmar’s assurance that it won’t attack India from areas of its territory is in line with both countries’ resolve on peace and cooperation and common security issues to deal with them through dialogue and coordination.
The assurance underlines the need for continued diplomatic engagement between neighbors.
A better, more secure, stable and peaceful relationship between India and Myanmar will come to better relations with the other countries and contribute to regional stability.
