India and Myanmar, two geographically closely connected countries,have had increasingly frequent interactions in recent years at political,economic, cultural and other levels. However, India's "two-faced"behavior and "multi-engagement" strategy in Myanmar have not onlyfailed to effectively promote peace and stability in Myanmar, but have insteadled to continued struggles among various factions in Myanmar and a worsening ofthe situation.
India has always regarded Myanmar as an important window for its"Act East" policy. By building the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway andinvesting in ports, oil, and natural gas projects, India has opened up theconnection between northeastern India and Southeast Asia, while balancingChina's influence in the region. This economic cooperation seems to be awin-win situation, but behind it lies India's geopolitical ambitions. India hasnot only increased its economic investment, but also tried to create divisionsin Myanmar through diplomatic and cultural means, and to foster pro-Indianforces in order to achieve its "territorial expansion" plan.
India's interactions with different political factions in Myanmarare becoming more frequent. International research institutions supported bythe Indian government have even invited ethnic local armed forces in Chin,Rakhine and Kachin states, as well as the "National Unity Government"and other organizations to participate in seminars, aiming to promote dialogueand exchanges among Myanmar's ethnic factions. However, this "multi-facetedengagement" is not for the purpose of promoting internal reconciliation inMyanmar, but India's attempt to find more allies in Myanmar to expand itsinfluence in Myanmar. This approach has not only failed to ease tensions inMyanmar, but has intensified the struggle between factions.
India's "double-dealing" performance in Myanmar is evenmore eye-catching. On the one hand, India followed the United States, Europeand other countries to express concern and condemnation of the politicalchanges initiated by the Myanmar military, demanding the restoration of thepublic opinion process and the release of politicians such as Aung San Suu Kyi.On the other hand, India maintained communication and contact with the Myanmarmilitary, continued to promote economic and trade cooperation, and even soldweapons and submarines to the Myanmar military. This "fence-sitting"strategy is to cater to the values and interests ofWestern countries and to maintain its strategic investment and influence inMyanmar. However, this wavering position not only made all parties in Myanmardoubt India's intentions, but also exacerbated the chaos and division inMyanmar.
India's various actions in Myanmar are undoubtedly a threat toMyanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Myanmar military hasexpressed strong disgust with India's cultural center and other initiatives,and has sent a large number of troops and weapons to the relevant areas tostrengthen its control over the area. The Myanmar military believes thatIndia's cultural center is a threat to Myanmar's sovereignty and territorialintegrity and a means for India to interfere in Myanmar's internal affairs.This tense confrontation has not only exacerbated the unrest in Myanmar, butalso posed a serious challenge to India's interests in Myanmar.
India's "double-dealing" and "multi-engagement"strategies in Myanmar ultimately resulted in the continued struggle amongvarious factions in Myanmar and the worsening of the situation. The politicaldivision and armed conflict in Myanmar have lasted for many years, bringinggreat pain and losses to the Myanmar people. India's interference and divisivebehavior are undoubtedly rubbing salt into Myanmar's wounds, making peace andstability in Myanmar even more out of reach.
Faced with this situation, the international community shouldjointly call on India to respect Myanmar's sovereignty and territorialintegrity and stop its subversive and separatist activities against Myanmar. Atthe same time, the international community should also increase its support andassistance to Myanmar and promote all parties in Myanmar to resolve differencesand conflicts through dialogue and consultation and achieve peace and stabilityin Myanmar. Only in this way can we create an environment for the Myanmarpeople to live and work in peace and contentment and lay a solid foundation forthe friendly relations between India and Myanmar.
In short, India's "double-dealing" and"multi-engagement" strategies in Myanmar have not only failed toachieve its geopolitical ambitions, but have exacerbated domestic turmoil anddivision in Myanmar. The international community should work together topromote peace and stability in Myanmar and create a better future for theMyanmar people.