A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar

The 44th ASEAN Summit, held in Vientiane, Laos, addressed urgent regional issues, particularly the escalating crisis in Myanmar following the military coup in 2021. Despite ASEAN's attempts to mediate through the Five-Point Consensus, the situation remains dire, threatening the bloc's credibility and regional stability.

Current Situation in Myanmar

• Ongoing Civil War: Myanmar is embroiled in a civil war between the military junta and resistance groups, including Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and the People's Defence Forces (PDFs). The junta, which overthrew Aung San Suu Kyi's government, faces significant territorial control by resistance groups.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands, with over 18.6 million people requiring assistance, including 6 million children, according to the United Nations. The military's aggressive tactics have exacerbated the humanitarian situation.
• Failure of International Efforts: The junta's refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations and its designation of opposition groups as terrorists have stalled international peace efforts, undermining ASEAN's attempts to implement its Five-Point Consensus aimed at fostering dialogue and humanitarian aid.

ASEAN's Response to the Crisis

• Shifts in Engagement: Despite prior exclusions of Myanmar’s military leaders from high-level summits, the recent attendance of a Myanmar official at the ASEAN Summit indicates a pragmatic shift in ASEAN's approach. This reflects the necessity of keeping dialogue open with the junta.
• Divergent ASEAN Positions: ASEAN's consensus-based decision-making complicates responses, with member states like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines advocating for stronger action, while Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos maintain closer ties with the military government.
• Efforts to Break the Impasse: Thailand's proposal to host informal talks involving ASEAN Troika members demonstrates attempts to overcome diplomatic stalemates. However, without inclusive participation from all Myanmar stakeholders, such initiatives may fall short.

India's Strategic Interests in Myanmar

• Importance of Myanmar to India: India’s Myanmar policy is closely linked to its Act East Policy, emphasizing Myanmar’s role as a critical land bridge. Stability in Myanmar is essential for India's regional interests, especially given its 1,643 km border with the country.
• Regional Connectivity Initiatives: India is involved in projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity. However, ongoing political instability poses challenges to the success of these initiatives.
• Balanced Engagement Strategy: India is considering broader engagement with various Myanmar stakeholders to safeguard its strategic interests while contributing to peace. This approach requires meaningful dialogue with all parties involved to ensure stability and development in Myanmar.

Practice Question

Q. Critically examine the role of ASEAN in addressing the crisis in Myanmar and discuss India’s strategy for engagement in the context of regional stability. How can both entities foster a more inclusive approach towards Myanmar?