CONTENTS
- Free Movement Regime
- India- UAE Ties
Free Movement Regime
Context:
A nation’s identity is not solely defined by its demarcating borders, but rather by the individuals inhabiting it. This concept goes beyond being a mere abstract saying; it embodies a vision of nation-building and continuity, particularly for a country emerging from a colonial past. The notions of neighborly relations and borders are intricately linked not only to the national security concerns of the post-colonial nation-state but also to the well-being of the people residing in border regions and their envisioned histories.
Relevance:
GS2- International Relations
- India and its Neighborhood- Relations
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains Question:
Free movement regime between India, Myanmar had more benefits than costs. Comment. (15 Marks, 250 Words).
About the Free Movement Regime (FMR):
Historical Background:
- A significant portion of India’s northeastern region was under Burmese control until the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826 delineated the existing India-Myanmar border.
- This treaty, concluding the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826), was signed by General Sir Archibald Campbell on behalf of the British and Governor of Legaing Maha Min Hla Kyaw Htin representing the Burmese.
- Despite its establishment, the border separated communities with shared ethnicity and culture, including the Nagas in Nagaland and Manipur, as well as the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities in Manipur and Mizoram, without their consent.
- Presently, India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km border across Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, with only 10 km fenced in Manipur.
- Introduced in 2018 as part of India’s Act East policy, the Free Movement Regime (FMR) facilitates cross-border movement up to 16 km without requiring a visa.
- Residents living near the border are required to obtain a one-year border pass for stays of up to two weeks in the neighboring country.
- The FMR aims to ease local border trade, enhance access to education and healthcare for border residents, and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Discontinuation of the “Free Movement Regime” (FMR):
Arguments in Favour:
- When Home Minister Amit Shah declared the discontinuation of the “Free Movement Regime” (FMR) implemented in Indian states bordering Myanmar since 2018 and proposed the fencing of the India-Myanmar border, it signified a departure from this vision.
- The purported justification for this move and the call for fencing is rooted in the claim that the porous border has facilitated the flow of narcotics and provided support to insurgent groups in the northeast to establish bases in areas of Myanmar where the authority of the junta is relatively weak or non-existent.
Security Concerns:
- Rising Infiltration: There is a growing apprehension regarding the entry of unauthorized immigrants, particularly from the Chin and Naga communities, as well as Rohingyas from Myanmar. This influx could strain local resources and have implications for the demographic composition of the region.
- Illicit Drug Trade and Weapons Smuggling: The permeable border provides a conduit for the unlawful transportation of drugs and weapons, posing a significant threat to India’s internal security and contributing to criminal activities. In 2022, Manipur recorded 500 cases filed and 625 individuals arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to data from the Chief Minister’s Office.
- Insurgent Activities: The Free Movement Regime (FMR) has been exploited by insurgent groups operating in northeastern India, enabling them to cross the border effortlessly and evade capture. Examples include the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Kangleipak Communist Party-Lamphel (KCP-Lamphel) in Manipur.
Socio-economic and Regional Challenges:
- Impact on Cultural Heritage: Concerns arise regarding the safeguarding of indigenous culture and traditions in border regions, potentially jeopardized by increased migration.
- Environmental Deterioration: Unregulated cross-border movement is linked to deforestation and illegal extraction of resources along the border, contributing to environmental degradation.
- Regional Dynamics: The expanding influence of China in Myanmar and its potential ramifications for border security introduce an additional layer of complexity to the situation.
- The fact that the call to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) has found the strongest support in the presently conflict-ridden Manipur, while facing fervent opposition from Nagaland and Mizoram, offers insight into the sentiments prevailing in these states.
Arguments Against:
- Many insurgent groups have significantly weakened over time, and successive Indian governments have effectively countered their threats through a combination of force and peace efforts, either ongoing or concluded.
- Moreover, the facilitation of the drug trade is not solely attributed to the porous nature of the border but also to the relative lack of robust law enforcement with the cooperation of local residents.
- Myanmar is currently undergoing a civil war, with civilians from its western regions, such as Sagain and Chin State, seeking refuge and humanitarian assistance in the neighboring states of Mizoram and Manipur.
- The Mizos of Mizoram and the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur feel a sense of solidarity with the Chin community and have been actively organizing relief efforts for the refugees.
- The resistance against the FMR has primarily arisen from the Meitei majoritarian forces in the Imphal valley. They have raised concerns about Chin refugees entering Manipur, framing it as a case of illegal migration.
- The establishment of the FMR, formalizing the movement of citizens within 16 kilometers of the sparsely populated border for trade and commerce, was aligned with India’s Act East policy.
- It also reflected the desires of the people in the region who share ethnic ties but are separated by boundaries drawn during the colonial era.
Conclusion:
Reversing this regime and undertaking the monumental task of fencing a border located in rugged mountains and forests may be indicative of misplaced priorities and warrants reconsideration.
India- UAE Ties
Context:
At first glance, Prime Minister’s recent visit to the UAE might have appeared as a routine bilateral engagement, similar to his previous trips. However, this seventh visit since 2014 underscores the government’s intent to emphasize the significance and prominence of the Emirates, particularly in comparison to other Gulf countries.
Relevance:
GS2- International Relations
- Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Mains Question:
In the context of recent interaction between the leadership of India and UAE, discuss the evolution of India-UAE ties and suggest a way forward strategy for effective bilateral relations. (15 Marks, 250 Words).
India-UAE Relations:
- India and the UAE established diplomatic ties in 1972, with a significant enhancement in bilateral relations occurring during the visit of India’s Prime Minister to the UAE in August 2015, initiating a new strategic partnership.
- This partnership was further strengthened when the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi visited India in January 2017, leading to the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
- This development spurred negotiations for an India-UAE comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Economic Ties:
- In terms of economic relations, bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached USD 85 billion in 2022-23, making the UAE India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination.
- The goal is to elevate bilateral merchandise trade to over USD 100 billion and services trade to USD 15 billion within five years.
- Numerous Indian companies have established manufacturing units, either through joint ventures or in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), across various sectors in the UAE.
- Under India’s revamped Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy, the UAE holds a prominent position as the top priority for an early harvest deal, alongside other key countries/regions such as the UK, the EU, Australia, Canada, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
- The UAE has also expressed its intent to pursue bilateral economic agreements with India and seven other countries.
Cultural Ties:
- Culturally, the UAE, home to over 3.3 million Indians, demonstrates familiarity and openness to Indian culture.
- India served as the Guest of Honour Country at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019, and Indian cinema, TV, and radio channels enjoy significant viewership in the country.
- The Emirati community actively participates in events like the International Day of Yoga, and various yoga and meditation centers run successfully in the UAE.
Fintech Collaboration:
- In the realm of fintech collaboration, initiatives like the acceptance of the RuPay card in the UAE since August 2019 and the operationalization of a Rupee-Dirham settlement system highlight the convergence in digital payment systems.
Energy Security:
- The UAE’s crucial role in India’s energy security is evident through strategic oil reserves stored in Mangaluru, India.
- Both countries actively participate in regional groupings and initiatives like I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), showcasing shared interests and strategic alignment.
More on the Recent Visit:
- The rapid conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) follows the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, making the UAE the first country with which the Modi government has both trade and investment agreements.
- While the visit’s timing was linked to an invitation to address the ‘World Governments Summit’ in Dubai and inaugurate Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, a closer examination of the 10 bilateral agreements reveals noteworthy aspect.
- Currently, the UAE stands as India’s third-largest trading partner, second-largest export destination, and fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI). The inauguration of Bharat Mart for Indian MSMEs is anticipated to further fortify trade relations.
- Another set of agreements focuses on technological collaboration, encompassing digital infrastructure development, research and development (R&D) initiatives for energy security, and trade cooperation in areas such as green hydrogen, energy storage, and digital cross-payments.
- The third aspect involves the Agreement for an Intergovernmental Framework on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor, paving the way for multilateral collaboration between the two nations. This partnership extends to coordination over the I2U2 initiative with the U.S. and Israel, and future cooperation within the BRICS framework from 2024, as the UAE is now a member.
- Lastly, discussions on the Israel-Gaza operations and the Red Sea attacks indicate that amid regional conflicts, India views the UAE as a stable and reliable interlocutor.
- The foundation of India-UAE relations is rooted in historical and cultural interactions, encompassing age-old maritime trade and a diaspora that contributes approximately 18% to India’s global remittances.
Challenges in India-UAE Ties:
- Despite the complementary aspects stemming from India’s technological expertise and the UAE’s role as a trade and industry hub, changes in their respective political and societal landscapes introduce potential points of contention.
- The UAE, characterized by a theocratic monarchy, aims to democratize its governance and establish a more pluralistic system, as exemplified by decisions such as the establishment of a temple in Abu Dhabi.
- Trade Barriers Impacting Indian Exports:
- Indian exports, particularly in sectors such as poultry, meat, and processed foods, have been significantly affected by non-tariff barriers (NTBs) like Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).
- The mandatory Halal certification is a notable example of these barriers, leading to a substantial decline in processed food exports to the UAE, amounting to almost 30% in recent years, as reported by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Chinese Economic Influence in the UAE:
- China’s “Cheque Book Diplomacy,” characterized by providing low-interest loans, has eclipsed Indian economic efforts in the UAE and the broader Middle East.
- Challenges of the Kafala System:
- The Kafala system in the UAE, granting employers significant power over immigrant laborers, especially those in low-wage jobs, raises substantial human rights concerns. Instances of passport confiscation, delayed wages, and poor living conditions highlight the difficulties faced by migrant workers under this system.
- Concerns Over UAE’s Financial Support to Pakistan:
- The UAE’s considerable financial aid to Pakistan raises concerns about potential misuse, given Pakistan’s history of sponsoring cross-border terrorism against India.
- Diplomatic Balancing Act Amid Regional Conflicts:
- India faces a delicate diplomatic position due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Arab nations, particularly the UAE. The recent outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas further complicates matters, impacting the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
Conclusion:
The UAE has expressed concerns about the rise of majoritarian and sectarian forces in India. In this context, Prime Minister Modi’s remarks in Abu Dhabi, celebrating shared values of tolerance and pluralism and acknowledging a “shared heritage of humanity,” might be the most significant ties between the two nations separated by the Arabian Sea.
