Feb 8, 2024
The Home Minister announced plans to fence the entire length of the India-Myanmar border to halt the free movement of people.Aimed at curbing the unrestricted movement of individuals across the 1,643 km border, passing through states like Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The current Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement with Myanmar is under review in connection with the border fencing initiative.FMR, established in 2018 under India's Act East policy, permits tribes residing along the border to travel up to 16 km into each other's territory without a visa.
Geopolitical Importance: Myanmar serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and acting as a counterbalance to China's influence.Strategic Significance: Cooperation spans various sectors including bilateral trade, energy, infrastructure, and defense partnership.
Internal Security Concerns: Porous border exploited by terrorist groups, rebel camps established in Myanmar, and potential termination of the FMR.Triangular Power Struggle: Myanmar's internal strife and the challenge of balancing China's influence.
Effective management of FMR, engagement with multiple stakeholders, and balancing China's influence.Collaborative Instruments: Promoting two-way trade, accelerating infrastructure projects, enhancing security cooperation.