The recent India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement has been a much-anticipated development in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. This agreement holds immense significance and has been a topic of discussion in various forums, including the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams. Here`s an in-depth look at the India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement and its relevance to UPSC aspirants.
India and Myanmar share a 1,643 km long border, which has been historically porous, making it vulnerable to cross-border infiltration, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities. The India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement signed in 2018, aims to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border more smoothly and legally. As per the agreement, Indian citizens with valid passports and visas are allowed to travel to Myanmar via four checkpoints. Similarly, Myanmar citizens with valid travel documents can travel to India via the same checkpoints.
This agreement holds immense significance for both nations. It is expected to enhance economic ties, trade and investment between the two countries, and provide a fillip to tourism. India and Myanmar have a shared cultural heritage, and the agreement is expected to boost people-to-people contact as well. The agreement is also critical from a security standpoint as it will help curb cross-border crimes and insurgency activities.
For UPSC aspirants, the India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement holds relevance in multiple ways. Firstly, it is a crucial topic in International Relations, a significant section of the UPSC syllabus. A thorough understanding of the agreement is important to answer questions related to India`s foreign policy and its engagements with neighboring countries.
Secondly, the agreement has implications for India`s Act East Policy, another crucial topic for the UPSC exams. Under the Act East Policy, India aims to strengthen its ties with the ASEAN countries, and Myanmar is a crucial link in this chain. The Land Border Crossing Agreement is expected to enhance people-to-people contact and economic ties between India and Myanmar, a crucial step towards realizing the goals of the Act East Policy.
Lastly, the agreement has relevance in the internal security context, which is a crucial topic in the UPSC exams. The agreement is expected to help curb cross-border crimes and insurgency activities, which are a major challenge for India`s internal security. Aspirants must have a comprehensive understanding of these issues to answer questions related to India`s internal security.
In conclusion, the India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement is a crucial development in India`s engagement with its neighboring countries and has multiple implications for UPSC aspirants. A thorough understanding of the agreement, its relevance, and implications is crucial to answering questions related to International Relations, India`s foreign policy, Act East Policy, and Internal Security.