Day 86 – Q 3. How is the issue of Rohingya Muslims affecting Indo-Myanmar relations? Discuss.

3. How is the issue of Rohingya Muslims affecting Indo-Myanmar relations? Discuss. 

भारत-म्यांमार संबंधों पर रोहिंग्या मुसलमानों का मुद्दा कैसे प्रभाव डाल रहा है? चर्चा करें।

Introduction:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described Rohingyas “one of, if not the, most discriminated people in the world”. Rohingya are one of Myanmar’s many ethnic minorities.

Though they have been living in the South East Asian country for generations, Myanmar considers them as persons who migrated to their land during the Colonial rule. So, it has not granted Rohingyas full citizenship. According the 1982 Burmese citizenship law, a Rohingya is eligible for citizenship only if he/she provides proof that his/her ancestors have lived in the country prior to 1823. Else, they are classified as “resident foreigners” or as “associate citizens” (even if one of the parents is a Myanmar citizen).

Since they are not citizens, they are not entitled to be part of civil service. Their movements are also restricted within the Rakhine state.

Myanmar is only country that sits at the intersection of India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and “Act East” policy. India believes it can use Myanmar to strengthen trade links and increase engagement with the regional grouping – but sees Myanmar as a neighbour first, and an ASEAN member second.

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Issue of Rohingya Muslims affecting Indo-Myanmar relations 

• India believes it can use Myanmar to strengthen trade links and increase engagement with the regional grouping – but sees Myanmar as a neighbour first, and an ASEAN member second.
• India views the Rohingya crisis from both a humanitarian and security perspective.
• PM Modi has said that India shares Myanmar’s concern of ‘extremist violence’ in Rakhine State.
• India underlined the need for the ‘safe, speedy and sustainable’ return of the Rohingya refugees during the Indian foreign minister’s visit to Myanmar in mid-May.
• Last year India committed US$25m of development assistance, to be transferred over five years, to help the ‘restoration of normalcy’ in Rakhine State, and the return of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.
• This followed the signing of an agreement between India and Myanmar for a development programme in Rakhine State. 
• India is currently building pre-fabricated housing for refugees returning there.
• India has also provided relief materials for refugees in Bangladesh including food and mosquito nets.

Conclusion

Rohingya Muslims issue has not adversely affected Indo-Myanmar relations.  India has diplomatically found ways to help the Rohingyas and raised humanitarian issue, without any diplomatic fallout with the state of Mayanmar.