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By Mra Thida, GAN
Shortread: Opinions March 17, 2025
Bridging Historical Ties for Mutual Growth: Arakan, situated along Myanmar's western coastline, shares deep historical, cultural, and economic ties with India. While India has engaged with Arakan primarily through strategic infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), local communities in Arakan have voiced the need for improved bilateral communication to foster sustainable development amid the challenging situation following the Myanmar military coup. Their perspectives on legal trade, higher education opportunities, and essential services highlight pathways for a more inclusive India-Rakhine partnership.
Strengthening Legal Trade Channels: Local traders in Arakan have relied on cross-border trade with India, particularly in daily commodities and energy since the trading with the rest of Myanmar had been restricted by the Myanmar military. However, informal trade creates significant challenges for local traders due to difficult transportation, unsafe travel routes, including muddy hilly roads and stormy river paths, and random travel restrictions and control by India’s local authorities. Despite these challenges, the demand from Arakan benefits Indian local communities and generates job opportunities.
Stakeholders emphasize the need for simplified trade regulations to enable small-scale traders to access a clear, transparent, and accessible legal trade framework with India. This would reduce dependence on informal markets and ensure fair pricing. Improved infrastructure, such as enhanced ports, customs facilities, and road networks, would facilitate smoother trade flows, benefiting both Arakan’s economy and Indian importers. Direct business forums, including India-Arakan business summits, could provide networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, and investment potential for local enterprises.
The Need to Enhance Official Trade Agreements between the Indian Government and the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG): The APRG has become the de facto government in Arakan, accelerating its administration and seizing control of 14 out of 17 townships since the coup. The situation on the ground indicates that Myanmar's government will never regain control, and the APRG is emerging as a lasting governing body for Arakan.
At the same time, the Arakan Army (AA), the armed wing of APRG, has already taken control of Paletwa, a strategic area for India’s investment in the India-Arakan border. They are also advancing towards Sittway, the capital of Arakan, which is another center for Indian investment. Given this political progress, it is time for the Indian government to open opportunities for local communities in Arakan and Indian border areas to engage in legal trade by directly negotiating with the APRG and AA. This approach would not only benefit both regions economically but also demonstrate humanity towards the people of Arakan, who urgently need goods and services from India.
"The Indian government should seize this opportunity to build a better relationship with local people. Our people will not forget this, and we will definitely support their investment if they show a friendly and positive attitude towards us," expressed a local trader to GAN.
Expanding University Education Opportunities: Higher education is a major concern for Arakan’s youth, many of whom face limitations due to economic hardship, travel restrictions to the rest of Myanmar enforced by the Myanmar military, and political instability. India, with its globally recognized universities, can play a crucial role by offering scholarships to Arakan students, enabling them to access quality education in fields like technology, medicine, international relations and public administration.
Even allowing qualified students to pursue higher education with their own funds should be considered. Establishing educational exchange programs between Indian and the education institutions of Arakan could create opportunities for Arakan students to study in India while Indian scholars contribute to Arakan’s educational institutions. A local parent from Arakan expressed hope, saying,
"I hope that there are already some discussions between the Indian government and our APRG to ensure access to education."
Enhancing Access to Services: Local communities in Arakan often face barriers in accessing medical care, financial services, and communication technologies. India could support cross-border medical services by allowing Arakan residents easier access to Indian healthcare facilities and medical sources in bordering regions like Mizoram, significantly improving healthcare outcomes.
Establishing banking agreements that enable easier transactions between Indian and Arakan-based businesses and individuals could boost economic activity. Additionally, allowing Indian telecommunication companies to invest in strengthening mobile networks and internet connectivity in Arakan could enhance business operations, education, and emergency response mechanisms.
Conclusion: From the local people's perspective, enhancing India-Arakan relations requires a shift from large-scale geopolitical strategies to people-centric policies. By prioritizing legal trade facilitation, expanding higher education pathways, and improving access to essential services, India and Arakan can build a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship. Encouraging both grassroots-level engagement and higher-level bilateral dialogues will ensure that the people of Arakan are active participants in shaping their future interactions with India.
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