Friend in deed

India finds itself on the right side of history in Myanmar. Now it must build on PMs visit

India finds itself on the right side of history in Myanmar. Now it must build on PMs visit

The first visit by an Indian prime minister to Myanmar in 25 years saw nothing in the form of a dramatic initiative,but India has signalled a comprehensive adaptation to the large transitions in that country. Certainly,this embrace of a very important neighbour could have come earlier when New Delhi was uneasily attempting to nuance realpolitik and sentiment in its positioning vis-a-vis democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and the military junta. However,the pragmatism that came into play in Indias relations with the hitherto isolated nation in the 1990s may now bear fruit. Singhs visit has reduced the gap between realpolitik and sentiment,if it hasnt quite bridged it yet.

If Indias initial motives for rethinking Myanmar lay in the advantage that China had acquired,Myanmar has since installed itself as the crucial missing link in Delhis Look East policy. It is Indias only overland gateway to the ASEAN states and thus critical for opening up the landlocked Northeast economically. Therefore,the substance of the PMs visit must be sought in the 500 million line of credit and 12 pacts announced in Naypyitaw. Connectivity is the core of Myanmars potential for India. The agreement to look at a possible rail linkage and freight movement to the ASEAN region,along with the Imphal-Mandalay bus service,must be speedily translated from paper to reality. Indias assistance has also been sought in constructing and upgrading 120 km of the Trilateral Highway which is a key segment of the proposed Asian Highway Network. But the comprehensiveness of the PMs visit also lies in the border security and development plans,the arrangements for enhanced banking to promote trade and the annual 5 million assistance for small development projects such as schools,healthcare and agriculture. Indias private sector,looking for opportunities to invest in the energy sector and elsewhere,can be an indispensable tool in recasting bilateral ties.

The PM had a very positive meeting with Suu Kyi,when he also extended to her an invitation to deliver the next Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Lecture in Delhi. Where Delhi can substantially contribute to Myanmars political transition is in its support to the national reconciliation and democratisation process. Its not enough to find oneself on the right side of history. The onus is on Delhi and it must deliver.