Guest contributor
Shalini Perumal
On Sept. 9, the remnants of Typhoon Yagi wreaked havoc across Myanmar, resulting in catastrophic flooding that has left a lasting mark on the nation’s already precarious humanitarian landscape. With over 419 confirmed deaths and approximately 887,000 people affected, according to the U.N., the disaster intensified the ongoing crisis stemming from the military coup in February 2021.
In response, India launched Operation Sadbhav, dispatching 53 tonnes of emergency flood relief assistance valued at $1 million USD to Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. However, this gesture, framed as an act of solidarity, unfolds against a backdrop of complex political dynamics and longstanding challenges in India’s foreign policy towards Myanmar.
The impact of Typhoon Yagi highlights the vulnerabilities within Myanmar, a country grappling with both natural disasters and a political crisis ignited by the military’s ousting of the country’s elected civilian National League for Democracy (NLD) government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.
The floods exacerbated an already dire situation for millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), particularly for marginalized ethnic minorities such as the Rohingya, the Kachin, and the Karen communities. These groups have faced systemic discrimination, violence, and human rights abuses, leading to heightened humanitarian needs even before the cyclone struck.
Reports indicate that approximately 1.3 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, with urgent calls for food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. The U.N. has indicated the critical nature of the situation, stating that many affected areas remain difficult to access due to damaged infrastructure.
India’s aid to Myanmar includes essential supplies such as food, medical kits, and hygiene products, aimed at alleviating the suffering of affected populations. This initiative is framed as a gesture of goodwill and regional solidarity, emphasizing India’s commitment to humanitarian principles.
Yet, beneath this humanitarian veneer lies a complex web of geopolitical interests. India has long viewed Myanmar as a crucial partner in its Act East policy, which seeks to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations and counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region.
The strategic significance of Myanmar cannot be overstated; it serves as a key conduit for India’s connectivity projects, including the ambitious Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), which aims to link India’s eastern coastline with its northeastern states.
However, India’s past approach to Myanmar has been criticized for prioritizing strategic interests over ethical considerations. Since the 2021 coup, India’s stance has been perceived as tacit support for the illegal junta in Naypyidaw, a position that has drawn ire from human rights organizations and international observers.
By engaging with a regime that is widely condemned for human rights abuses, India risks complicity in the junta’s oppressive measures while attempting to maintain a façade of humanitarianism.
This delicate balancing act raises critical questions: Can India genuinely assist the affected communities while simultaneously supporting a government engaged in egregious human rights violations?
Critics argue that India’s continued engagement with the junta undermines its humanitarian efforts. Human rights advocates have long urged India to take a firmer stance against the military’s actions, emphasizing that true humanitarian assistance must be paired with a commitment to human rights and democratic governance.
The juxtaposition of humanitarian aid and political complicity creates a perception that India prioritizes its strategic interests over the welfare of vulnerable populations. Moreover, the situation has profound implications for ethnic minorities, whose needs and rights are often overlooked.
The humanitarian crisis caused by Typhoon Yagi raises important questions about representation and access to aid for these marginalized communities. India’s policy toward Myanmar must adapt to acknowledge these complexities and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian needs caused by the floods, India faces a pressing challenge with the influx of refugees from Myanmar. Since 2021, tens of thousands have fled to India, seeking safety from escalating violence. The government’s response to these refugees has been inconsistent, often marked by increased scrutiny and, in some cases, denial of entry. The Rohingya, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar, face particularly harsh treatment.
Historically, India has adopted a stringent stance toward Rohingya refugees, citing national security concerns. This approach raises ethical questions about India’s commitment to humanitarian principles, especially when the very communities in need of protection are met with hostility.
With over 45,000 Myanmar nationals currently seeking refuge in northeastern states, the challenge for India is twofold: safeguarding its borders while meeting its humanitarian obligations. As reports indicate that many refugees are fleeing the junta’s brutal crackdown, India’s policy towards them reveals significant tensions between national security and humanitarian responsibilities.
The recent invitation extended to political and military opponents of the junta for a seminar in New Delhi indicates a potential shift in India’s stance. This engagement with non-state actors, including ethnic minority representatives, reflects an understanding that India’s policy must be more inclusive. However, it also raises questions about the sincerity of such initiatives given India’s historical engagement with the junta.
As the conflict in Myanmar intensifies and ethnic tensions continue to rise, it is crucial for India to reevaluate its approach to the country. The Arakan Army’s expanding control over key regions poses a threat to India’s strategic initiatives with the illegal junta, notably the Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project, which has been positioned by the Indian government as essential for regional connectivity.
To effectively navigate this shifting political landscape, India must recalibrate its engagement strategy, emphasizing collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs). Engaging with CBOs is vital for several reasons. These organizations have deep local knowledge and insights into the needs and dynamics of affected communities, particularly marginalized groups. By supporting and partnering with CBOs, India can ensure that its humanitarian assistance is not only timely but also culturally sensitive and targeted effectively to those who need it most.
The CBOs also often play an important role in advocating for human rights and social justice within their communities. Supporting their efforts can help amplify the voices of marginalized populations and promote accountability for human rights abuses, particularly in light of non-state actors like the Arakan Army’s reported violations against the Rohingya. This alignment with local advocates can strengthen India’s credibility and moral standing in the region.
Moreover, strengthening ties with CBOs can facilitate greater community resilience, enabling affected populations to better cope with ongoing challenges. By investing in local initiatives and capacity-building, India can contribute to long-term stability and peace in Myanmar, which is essential for the success of strategic projects like the KMTTP.
India’s humanitarian assistance to Myanmar cannot be separated from the broader issue of human rights and representation for marginalized communities. While the aid dispatched post-Typhoon Yagi signifies a commitment to humanitarian principles, it must also encompass advocacy for the rights of ethnic minorities.
Historically, these groups have faced systematic marginalization, and the current humanitarian crisis only exacerbates their vulnerabilities. The U.N. and various human rights organizations have called for increased engagement with resistance authorities and civil society to ensure that assistance reaches those in dire need.
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) has argued that the junta lacks the legitimacy and capacity to deliver aid effectively. Therefore, regional players like India must engage with all stakeholders, including non-state actors and the efforts of CBOs, to facilitate meaningful humanitarian efforts.
As India navigates its humanitarian response to Myanmar, it must grapple with the complexities of its foreign policy and the implications for human rights. The assistance provided in the wake of Typhoon Yagi highlights India’s commitment to supporting affected communities but also indicates the challenges of reconciling humanitarian efforts with political realities.
Going forward, India must adopt a more nuanced approach that prioritizes the rights and representation of ethnic minorities. Engaging in inclusive dialogue that condemns the junta’s illegal coup is crucial for any meaningful resolution to the ongoing crisis. Furthermore, India must align its foreign policy with its stated commitment to democracy and human rights, ensuring that humanitarian assistance does not become a tool for political expediency.
The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar demands urgent relief efforts and sustainable solutions that address the root of political and social challenges. India must reaffirm its ethical commitments by advocating for the rights of marginalized communities and working towards lasting change.
Shalini Perumal is a creative international development professional who has worked previously in Mae Sot, Thailand at Mae Tao Clinic. She is currently a freelance journalist as well as Communications Officer at ActionAid India in New Delhi. The views expressed in the article are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
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