Syllabus: GS2/IR/GS3/Internal Security

Background

• In 2024, the Union Home Minister announced the decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. However, no substantial progress has been made in implementing this decision.

Understanding the Free Movement Regime (FMR)

• The Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a bilateral arrangement between India and Myanmar that permits border communities to cross into each other’s territory without a visa.
• Established in 1968, FMR was introduced due to deep familial and ethnic ties shared by tribes living along the border.
• Initially, the regime allowed movement up to 40 km inside the other country’s territory.
• However, in 2004, this limit was reduced to 16 km, followed by additional regulatory measures introduced in 2016.

Rationale Behind Scrapping FMR

Internal Security Concerns

• Myanmar’s ongoing instability, along with the presence of armed groups, has led to an increase in unauthorized migration, creating security challenges for India.

Drug Trafficking

• Myanmar is part of the infamous Golden Triangle, one of the world’s major hubs for illicit drug production and smuggling. The porous border facilitates the influx of narcotics into India, exacerbating drug-related problems in the Northeast.

Insurgent Activities

• Several insurgent groups operate from across the border in Myanmar, using dense forests as a safe haven. The existing FMR enables their movement and logistical support, posing a threat to India’s internal security.

Influx of Refugees

• Escalating violence in Myanmar has led to an increased flow of refugees into India, particularly affecting Manipur and Mizoram. This has resulted in social, economic, and administrative challenges for Indian states.

China’s Expanding Influence

• Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, the country has become increasingly dependent on China, which provides diplomatic and economic support. While Myanmar previously sought to diversify its international partnerships, its growing reliance on China raises strategic concerns for India.

India-Myanmar Relations: A Strategic Overview

Geographical Proximity

• India and Myanmar share both a land and maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
• Four northeastern Indian states—Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram—share borders with Myanmar.

Historical and Cultural Linkages

• India and Myanmar share centuries-old historical, religious, and cultural connections, with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and ancient trade routes shaping bilateral interactions.
• India and Myanmar signed the Treaty of Friendship in 1951, laying the foundation for their diplomatic relations.

Geopolitical Significance

• Myanmar’s strategic location makes it a vital bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• India’s Act East Policy and Neighborhood First Policy emphasize strengthening ties with Myanmar to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reached USD 1.50 billion in 2023-24.

Trade is conducted under:

• ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)
• India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme

Security Cooperation

• India and Myanmar collaborate on border security, counterinsurgency operations, and intelligence sharing.
• Joint patrolling and military operations have been conducted to counter insurgent groups operating across the border.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Initiatives

• India is actively involved in major connectivity projects to enhance trade and infrastructure development:
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) – A key initiative to improve connectivity between India’s northeastern states and Myanmar via maritime and land routes.
• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway – A crucial project aimed at bolstering economic integration between the three countries.
• Sittwe Port in Myanmar’s Rakhine State – A strategically significant port under KMMTTP, providing India an alternative trade route bypassing the congested Siliguri Corridor.

Developmental Assistance

• India has extended assistance in multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, skill development, and infrastructure.
• India and Myanmar collaborate under multilateral frameworks such as BIMSTEC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC).

Way Forward

Regulated Border Management

• India must develop a structured mechanism to monitor cross-border movement while balancing security and humanitarian considerations.
• Deploying advanced surveillance technologies and strengthening border infrastructure will be crucial.

Public Awareness and Stakeholder Consultation

• It is imperative for the Indian government to educate local communities and stakeholders about the implications of FMR and its potential removal.
• Consultation with northeastern state governments and indigenous communities will help in formulating an inclusive border policy.

Sustainable Refugee Policy

• India needs a well-defined refugee policy to manage the influx of displaced individuals from Myanmar while ensuring national security.
• International collaboration with organizations like UNHCR can aid in managing refugee challenges.

Strategic Engagement with Myanmar

• India must continue engaging diplomatically with Myanmar’s ruling establishment to safeguard strategic and economic interests.
• Diversifying Myanmar’s external partnerships beyond China will be essential for regional stability.

Enhanced Economic and Security Cooperation

• Expanding bilateral trade and connectivity projects will strengthen India’s position in Myanmar.
• Joint counter-insurgency operations and intelligence sharing should be intensified to tackle security threats.

Conclusion

• Given the uncertain political landscape in Myanmar, India must adopt a balanced approach—tightening border security while maintaining people-to-people ties.
• The government should take local communities into confidence, formulate a phased strategy for managing border movement, and enhance cooperation with Myanmar to protect national and regional interests.