Context: India-Myanmar Relations
Myanmar assured India that its territory will not be used by anti-India insurgent groups, highlighting the importance of border security, connectivity and strategic cooperation.
Myanmar
Official Name:
Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Capital:
Nay Pyi Taw
Border with India:
1,643 km
Indian States sharing border with Myanmar:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Nagaland
- Manipur
- Mizoram
Importance for India
- India’s only ASEAN land neighbour
- Gateway to Act East Policy
- Bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia
ASEAN
- Myanmar has been a member since 1997.
- ASEAN was established through the Bangkok Declaration, 1967.
- Headquarters: Jakarta
- Members: 11
Free Movement Regime
- It allowed people living along the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km across the border without visa or passport.
- India has decided to phase out or replace the Free Movement Regime and strengthen border fencing due to security concerns.
PYQ Quick Revision
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- Kolkata → Sittwe Port → Kaladan River → Mizoram
- Provides alternative access to Northeast India, bypassing the Siliguri Corridor.
India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
- Moreh, Manipur → Myanmar → Mae Sot, Thailand
- Key Act East connectivity project
- Not fully operational
Sittwe Port
- Located in Rakhine State, Myanmar
- Developed with Indian assistance
- Operational
- Maritime gateway of the Kaladan Project
