India Deepens Myanmar Focus To Expand Act East Policy Goals

India is strengthening its engagement with Myanmar as part of its broader Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First approach, with recent high-level diplomatic interactions highlighting the country’s strategic importance. New Delhi views Myanmar as a key link between India and Southeast Asia, while also seeking cooperation on security, connectivity, trade and regional stability.

The renewed focus on Myanmar followed a visit by Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to New Delhi in June, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The engagement continued during the 23rd National Level Meeting between the two countries held in New Delhi on July 7 and 8, where officials discussed cooperation on terrorism, insurgency, narcotics, cross-border crimes and maintaining stability along the shared border.

Myanmar holds strategic importance for India due to its geographical position as the only ASEAN country sharing a land border with India. The two nations share a 1,643-kilometre border across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Historical, cultural and ethnic links between communities on both sides have further strengthened the importance of maintaining close ties.

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For India, Myanmar also serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia and is central to the success of the Act East Policy. The country’s location provides connectivity opportunities through the northeastern region, while projects linking India with ASEAN nations depend on stability in Myanmar. New Delhi has also placed Myanmar within the broader framework of its regional security and economic strategies, including the MAHASAGAR initiative focused on cooperation and growth across regions.

Economic interests are another major factor behind India’s growing focus on Myanmar. The country has significant reserves of heavy rare earth elements, particularly in areas such as Kachin and Shan States. These minerals are important for sectors including electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence technology. India, which is seeking to diversify critical mineral supply chains, sees Myanmar as a potential partner to reduce dependence on limited global sources.

However, India’s engagement with Myanmar faces several challenges due to the country’s ongoing internal political instability and the influence of ethnic armed organisations along border areas. Groups controlling parts of regions such as Chin, Rakhine and northern Sagaing have affected security conditions and connectivity plans. Analysts say India must balance diplomatic engagement with security concerns while maintaining relations with multiple stakeholders to protect its border interests and regional objectives.

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