Indian President Ram Nath Kovind recently concluded a five-day visit to his country's neighboring state of Myanmar. The visit came in a crucial time when China's influence over the region continues to stay high. It is also important to note that Myanmar plays an important role in India's Act East policy, a strategy which aims to counter China's influence in the region.
The visit aims to re-energize both India and Myanmar's commitment to the Act East and Neighbourhood First initiatives. These two policies aim to put together an "independent, active and non-aligned" foreign policy between the two countries.
The Indian President visited Myanmar's capital city of Naypyidaw, the first time since 2006. The visit came just little over a month after China and Myanmar reached an agreement to build a seaport located in the city of Kyaukpyu on the western coast of Myanmar. Many experts viewed this proposed seaport as China's alternative route for importing energy products from West Asia, and also to avoid choking off sea traffic in the Malacca Strait.
While this deal is seen as a positive in Myanmar, the same cannot be said in India where the deal is viewed as a threat to security. This new seaport is just one of the latest addition to what many called the Chinese "string of pearls" which are seaports and sea facilities that are scattered across the Indian Ocean. Chief among these "pearls" are the ports in Hamantota in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan. India claims that these projects will give the Chinese military greater access within the immediate region.
In September, China and Myanmar established the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. As part of China's effort to connect with Myanmar, the Asian superpower have constructed dual-carriage motorways that will connect Kunming city located in the province of Yunnan with various towns located along the Myanmar border.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Professor Swaran Singh told the Strait Times, "The Chinese influence is pervasive and writ large on the entire foreign policy of India."
In order to convince Myanmar to the fold, India is offering to provide funding on some of the country's development projects. India is also looking to boost connectivity with Myanmar through various economic and diplomatic deals.
During his visit, the Indian President handed over 50 units of prefabricated houses to Rohingya refugees. These houses were built in the state of Rakhine and were funded by the Indian government. India is also looking forward towards the expansion of the Rakhine State Development Program once the current allocation of $25 million has finally changed hands.
