RE-OPENING OF STILWELL ROAD: A BOON FOR INDO-MYANMAR RELATIONS Dr. Tanusree Sarker Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Women’s College, Tinsukia P.O. & DT. Tinsukia Assam

INTRODUCTION India had long historical relationship with Myanmar (Burma). More than 90% people of Myanmar follow Buddhism. Myanmar was made a province of British India and again separated from India in India established diplomatic relationship with Myanmar in Both the countries shared a cordial relationship due to cultural and religious link. But internal problem of Myanmar had an adverse impact in their relationship. The overthrew of the democratic Govt. by the military of Myanmar led to strains in ties. As India condemned the suppression of democracy in Myanmar the military Govt. of the country expelled the Burmese-Indian community.

CONTD. Factors responsible for adverse relationship between India and Myanmar: Overthrew of democratic govt. by the military in Myanmar Expulsion of Burmese-Indian community by the military govt. Suppression of pro-democratic movement in Myanmar Myanmar’s closeness with China Massive influx of Burmese refugees into India

Key determinants of Indo-Myanmar relationship India’s perspectives: Myanmar is an immediate neighbour of vital importance for defence and internal security needs stability and development in North Eastern Region expansion of India’s influence in the Bay of Bengal and South East Asia Myanmar is also an intersection between South Asia and South East Asia. Myanmar is the gateway of Indo-China and India South East Asia Ethnic link between the people of West Myanmar and India’s NE States.

Why Stilwell Road? In the age of globalisation, to exchange the goods and views, infrastructure development including roads and transportation becomes the essential factor to strengthen good relationship between and among the nations of the world. Trade link among three independent countries Economic development of India’s NE region Reduction of transportation cost International highway to establish trade link with China, Myanmar and other south East and south Asian countries

Contd. To increase people to people contact To maintain good relations with ASEAN members Socio-economic development of NE region For tourist attraction as the road is historically important The road connection may also provide common cross border cultural linkage Operationalisation of the road will help for formal trade and that ultimately will end the illegal smuggling of goods and arms.

Disadvantage of reopenning of the road Reopening of the road may have some disadvantages too as most of the terrorist groups of NE Region used to take shelter in Myanmar. The easy road and transport system may encourage the insurgents to move across the border and destabilize the internal situation of the country On the other hand, the road may help the national Govt. to trace the hide outs of the terrorist groups and with the joint efforts of the three countries the shelters of the terrorist organisation can be destroyed. India’s military aid to Myanmar is mainly directed for counter insurgency operation against the NE insurgent groups based in Myanmar. Myanmar’s support is necessary for pressurising the insurgent groups to sit in dialogue with the Govt. of India. A peaceful NE has great potentiality for economic prosperity with its rich biodiversity, hydropower and valuable natural resources once it is properly integrated to the South East Asian economy.

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The road during the Second World War (source: e)

Possible outcomes Possible outcomes The reopening of the Stilwell Road will Establish cordial relationship between India- Myanmar and India-China Reduce the transportation cost Improve economic/trade relations Improve the socio-economic condition of the NE Region Ease the communication system and peoples’ to peoples contract Develops the tourism system Growth of trade and commerce with ASEAN as a part of India’s LEP Indo-Myanmar improved bilateral relation will counter Chinese influence on South East Asia and may help India to be the regional super power Establish peace in the region by solving insurgency problem by Indo-Myanmar joint effort.

Conclusion Cooperation with India will help natural resources rich Myanmar to develop its true potential and cooperation with Myanmar will help India transform the North East bolster its LEP and help it to emerge as a major Asian power. “Reopening of the Stilwell Road would open up numerous options” (Kieran Rijiju).

REFERENCES 1. Hiranya Saikia; “India-Myanmar Relations-from past to present scenario”, appears in on August 26, 2014www.timesofassam.com 2. Mea.govt.in/portal/foreign relation/Myanmar-july Ruhee Neog; “Connecting South Asia:The Stilwell Road & Sub- Regional Networks; ICPS, April Sridhar Ramswami & Tridivesh Singh;“The strategic importance of Myanmar for India”; appears in thediplant.com/2014/08 on August 12, T.N. Rao; “In cultivating the India-Myanmar relations”, appears in 6. Uma Shankar Singh; “Burma and India ”; Oxford and IBH Pub. New Delhi; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Burma/India-relation by Rajiv Bhatia.

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