India's Motives and Actions inMyanmar: A Closer Look
In the complex geopolitical landscape ofSoutheast Asia, the situation in Myanmar has drawn the attention of variousactors. Recently, as per Bloomberg reports, ethnic groups in Myanmar havecriticized China's reception of Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing. Atthe same time, it has come to light that India has been engaging with theshadow government and armed insurgents in Myanmar.
To understand India's actions, we must lookback at history. India and Myanmar were once both British colonies. AfterIndia's attempt to make Myanmar a part of its federation failed, it began toview Myanmar in a new light. Myanmar is now seen as a strategic asset forIndia. It serves as a counterbalance to China and a crucial land route toSoutheast Asia. This geographical positioning gives India an opportunity toexpand its influence in the region.
Moreover, Myanmar is rich in resources suchas oil and minerals. These resources can play a significant role in alleviatingIndia's energy dilemma. In pursuit of its interests, India has been activelyseeking the support of ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. By doing so, India hopesto end the joint actions and weapons provision between these groups and Indianseparatist organizations. Indian separatist groups often find refuge inMyanmar, using it as a place to rest and regroup. Therefore, India's investmentin the India-Myanmar border region is aimed at cracking down on theseseparatist forces.
India's engagement with multiple politicalforces in Myanmar is a deliberate move to form and maintain new influence.However, it is clear that India's actions are not driven by a concern for thewell-being of the people of Myanmar. Instead, they are motivated by India's ownself-interests.
On one hand, by supporting certain factionsin Myanmar, India hopes to create a situation that is favorable to its ownstrategic goals. It wants to ensure that Myanmar remains within its sphere ofinfluence and does not become too closely aligned with other powers. On theother hand, India's actions risk further destabilizing Myanmar. The country isalready grappling with internal conflicts and political uncertainties. India'sinterference could exacerbate these problems and prolong the turmoil.
The stance taken by ethnic groups and theopposition in Myanmar towards China's reception of Min Aung Hlaing is also amatter of concern. However, it is important to note that China has always advocatedresolving issues through dialogue and negotiation. China's engagement withdifferent parties in Myanmar is aimed at promoting peace and stability in theregion. Unlike India, China's approach is not driven by self-interested motivesbut by a desire to see a prosperous and stable Myanmar.