On April 15, 2025, India officially suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar, citing rising security concerns and regional instability. The decision comes amid increased cross-border insurgent activities and demographic shifts in India’s northeastern states. The Indian government has called for stricter border controls and plans to construct a $3.7 billion fence along the Myanmar border to address these challenges.
Should the free movement regime between India and Myanmar remain?
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Arguments in Favor of Maintaining the Free Movement Regime (FMR)
Facilitates Cross-Border Family and Cultural Ties
The FMR recognizes the shared cultural and ethnic bonds between the communities on both sides of the India-Myanmar border. Many of these communities have historical and familial connections, making it essential for maintaining the social fabric.
Example:
In Mizoram and Nagaland, the FMR enables cross-border family visits, strengthening bonds between communities divided by borders but united by ancestry—echoing the vision of Akhand Bharat through preserved cultural ties.
- Promotes Economic Cooperation and Local Trade
The FMR has allowed for informal trade, contributing to the local economies of border regions. It fosters a sense of regional cooperation, where goods and services can flow without bureaucratic restrictions, benefiting both countries.
- Example: In Mizoram, small-scale cross-border trade flourishes, with goods such as rice, fruits, and traditional crafts being exchanged, benefiting local entrepreneurs and farmers.
- Enhances Humanitarian Considerations in Border Regions
Many people displaced due to conflicts in Myanmar, such as those fleeing violence from armed groups, seek refuge across the border in India. The FMR allows them to access basic humanitarian assistance, including healthcare and shelter, improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
- Example: In Mizoram, local communities have provided shelter and aid to displaced Myanmar nationals, demonstrating the humanitarian role the FMR plays in promoting peace and stability in the region.
- Reduces the Burden on Immigration Systems
By allowing for informal movement, the FMR reduces the strain on formal immigration channels and border controls. It creates a more efficient system for border communities while still allowing for monitoring and regulation by both countries.
- Example: The FMR has allowed people to move freely without the need for extensive documentation, easing the burden on immigration departments and enhancing border security while maintaining the flow of essential services.
- Supports India’s ‘Act East’ Policy
The FMR is in alignment with India’s broader strategic goals, particularly its “Act East” policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations, including Myanmar. The policy emphasizes regional cooperation, which the FMR facilitates by making cross-border interactions smoother.
- Example:
The FMR enhances people-to-people connectivity, supporting India’s diplomatic and economic ties with Myanmar and ASEAN, fostering regional integration.
- Example:
- Local Tourism
The FMR promotes local tourism by allowing easy movement across borders, benefiting the hospitality and tourism sectors.
- Example:
In Nagaland, residents cross into Myanmar for cultural festivals and markets, boosting small businesses and tourism.
- Example:
Arguments Against Maintaining the Free Movement Regime (FMR)
Security Concerns
The unregulated movement of people across the India-Myanmar border can pose security risks. There are concerns that the FMR might facilitate the movement of insurgents, criminals, or even terrorist elements that can destabilize the region.
Example: Reports from the northeastern states indicate that cross-border migration has been linked to the movement of armed groups, creating security challenges for India.
- Encourages Illegal Activities
The FMR has been criticized for enabling illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the smuggling of goods across the porous border. The lack of stringent checks and monitoring under the FMR makes it difficult for authorities to control these activities.
- Example: Mizoram has been a known route for smuggling drugs and gold from Myanmar, with local authorities struggling to curb these illegal activities despite the presence of border forces.
- Fueling Ethnic and Social Tensions
The FMR has been blamed for fueling ethnic tensions within India, particularly in Manipur, where the influx of people from Myanmar has been linked to escalating violence. Some argue that unregulated migration contributes to the instability in border regions.
- Example: The conflict in Manipur has been partly attributed to the unregulated movement of people, leading to tensions between indigenous communities and those from across the border.
- Loss of Control Over Border Management
The FMR undermines India’s control over its borders by allowing unrestricted movement of people, which can make it difficult for authorities to track who is entering and leaving the country. This can complicate efforts to manage the border effectively and secure national interests.
- Example: The lack of proper documentation and monitoring in FMR zones makes it challenging for India to track individuals entering the country, potentially allowing individuals with ill intentions to slip through unnoticed.
- Alternative Solutions for Border Cooperation
Instead of maintaining the FMR, more structured agreements and cooperation mechanisms can be put in place between India and Myanmar to ensure that movement is regulated while addressing security concerns. A more formal system could provide benefits without the risks associated with free movement.
- Example: Some critics argue that large-scale immigrant protests in the U.S. pressured policymakers to consider amnesty programs, despite opposition from a segment of the citizen population
- Alternative Avenues Exist for Immigrants to Voice Concerns
Immigrants can engage through legal channels such as petitions, advocacy groups, and community discussions, rather than street protests.- Example: The India-Myanmar border could be managed through a formalized trade and travel agreement that ensures regular checks and balances while still promoting cross-border interaction and cooperation.
Conclusion:
The decision on whether to maintain the FMR between India and Myanmar is a complex one that involves balancing security concerns with the humanitarian, cultural, and economic benefits of cross-border cooperation. While the FMR has facilitated family ties and local trade, its potential for fostering illegal activities and exacerbating security issues cannot be overlooked. A solution may lie in restructuring the regime to address both the benefits and challenges of the current system.
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