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The IUP Journal of International Relations

The Role of Indian Diaspora: A Look at India-Myanmar Relations

Article Details

Pub. Date	: Jul, 2019
Product Name	: The IUP Journal of International Relations
Product Type	: Article
Product Code	: IJIR41907
Author Name	: Mohammad Janesar and Rajesh Sahu
Availability	: YES
Subject/Domain	: Management
Download Format	: PDF Format
No. of Pages	: 15

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Abstract

Indo-Myanmar relations are based on history and civilizational ties. Indo-Myanmar’s close socio-economic, commercial, political, cultural relations had existed all through the ages dating back to ancient and medieval times. Beyond these ties, ethnic links between the people of Myanmar and India exist in four states bordering Myanmar, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, and have continued since antiquity. In contemporary epoch, both countries have been enjoying warm and friendly relations. For example, Myanmar is the only gateway to Southeast Asia connecting India by land and acts as a buffer zone between the northeastern region and China. Myanmar is considered as one of India’s immediate neighbors and part of its successful Look East Policy (LEP), currently Act East Policy (AEP). For India, Myanmar is the connecting bridge as it is crucial for India’s LEP, besides the development of stronger ties with Southeast Asia and East Asian countries. Consequently, it is important to examine the role of the Indian Diaspora in achieving internal (stabilizing border areas) as well as external (stabilizing Southeast Asia) security objectives of India. The diaspora has emerged as a powerful lobby since they are documented as “soft power” in International Relations and foreign policy strategy. It is also a driving force or agent of economic development between India and Myanmar. Therefore, this paper attempts to study the role of the Indian Diaspora in transforming the bilateral relations between India and Myanmar in the contemporary context.

Description

India-Myanmar relations dates back to historical and civilizational ties. Myanmar is the immediate neighbor of India. The geographical proximity of the countries has helped to build friendly and warm relations. India shares a long land as well as a maritime boundary with Myanmar which facilitated strong cultural and people to people contact between the two countries. Four Indian states share ethnic linkages with Myanmar, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.