India mulls changes in its Myanmar strategy as junta faces setback
Myanmar is losing grip over certain parts of the resource-rich country that borders India, which has led to a rethink in New Delhi on ways to readjust its approach in dealing with the neighbour that is critical in many ways.
The Indian establishment is understood to be mulling various options, including opening channels of communication with various ethnic groups that are inhabitants of Myanmar's states bordering northeast India amid cross-border migration into Mizoram and Manipur.
While New Delhi will continue to deal with the junta as the federal power in Nay Pyi Taw, experts on Myanmar affairs are of the opinion that New Delhi needs to adjust its policy to open channels of communication with ethnic groups that have bigger say in the states of Myanmar bordering India.
States of Chin, Rakhine and Kachin and the Sagaing division of Myanmar border India. Stability along the India-Myanmar border is imperative for prosperity of India's northeastern states.
Engagement with the ethnic groups in these states can enable the Indian establishment to check cross-border migration, smuggling of contraband and gun running, according to experts.
India has been engaging with the central authority in Myanmar irrespective of the nature of the government unlike the West, given India's vital strategic interests. New Delhi neither adhered to any sanctions imposed on Myanmar nor has it been backing the democratic forces actively.
