A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar

Table of Contents

Context

The 44th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos was focused on escalating regional concerns (ongoing crisis in Myanmar).
The summit underscored the challenges faced by ASEAN in addressing the turmoil since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021 and highlighted the limitations of its Five-Point Consensus aimed at restoring peace and stability.

The Situation in Myanmar

Myanmar is currently embroiled in a violent civil war between the military junta and various resistance groups, including Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs). Key points include:

The military junta, which seized power from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, is facing significant armed resistance.
Resistance groups control substantial territories and six major border trade routes.
The conflict has resulted in widespread violence, displacing hundreds of thousands and creating a humanitarian crisis affecting over 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, who require assistance according to the United Nations.

ASEAN’s Response

Despite ASEAN’s recognition of the need for intervention following the coup, its efforts have largely failed:

The Five-Point Consensus, established in April 2021, includes calls for an immediate end to violence, inclusive dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and a special envoy to facilitate negotiations. However, implementation has been ineffective.
ASEAN’s attempts to exclude Myanmar’s military leaders from high-level summits were circumvented when Myanmar sent a representative to this summit after a three-year boycott.

Importance of Stability in Myanmar for India

Myanmar serves as a crucial land link between India and ASEAN nations and its stability is essential for India’s Act East Policy.
India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border and compels India to balance security concerns related to cross-border militancy and illicit activities (such as recently India discontinued its Free Movement Regime) and to maintain relations with Myanmar’s military regime.
Regional Connectivity Projects: India is working on connectivity projects such as:
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
- India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
- These initiatives are designed to improve regional trade and connectivity, though Myanmar’s internal instability poses risks to these projects’ progress.