About the Paper
Myanmar lies at the crossroads of two Asian giants’ ambitions; India’s Act East Policy and China’s CMEC. The crisis in Myanmar since the 2021 coup, with the alleged important role of China in aiding state and non-state actors further complicates the issue. There is a lack of clarity in the Chinese overt/ covert role in Myanmar and whether its repercussions to the in Manipur is a Chinese long game or not. This paper aims to result in understanding the larger Chinese game plan in Myanmar and chart a suggested course for India to navigate the turbulent tides to ensure crystallisation of the Act East Policy. The research references interviews by the author with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the subject, documentary evidence, empirical data cited from Rajya Sabha Sessions, UNHCR, Official X Accounts, apart from print media. The temporal scope of the paper covers February 2021 (Myanmar coup) till 2026. However, it intentionally does not cover the Myanmar elections and its results, being outside the scope of the title of the paper. The analyses/ inferences drawn by the author at various sections in the paper suggests the Chinese involvement in the Myanmar and Manipur crises, however, the intent of it being a long game could not be proved concretely. The paper also suggests a course for India to resolve the Myanmar issue which aids in the Act East Policy and estimated positive effect on Manipur. It concludes with some foods for thought and suggests scope for further study.
