India proposed to set-up JBWG with Myanmar to address Border Demarcation Issue

India on 28 August 2013 suggested Myanmar to set-up a Joint Border Working Group (JBWG) to address the issues of demarcation of border between the two countries. The decision was taken following the attempt of construction of a defence post near an undermarcated border pillar by Myanmar’s Army.

The suggestion to set-up a JBWG was conveyed to Myanmar through India's embassy in Yangon.

Earlier, the Myanmar’s Army tried to erect the post near pillar number 76 in Moreh, Manipur on the border in a bid to defend against Indian farmers who were allegedly trying to harvest land claimed by Myanmar.

The construction activity being undertaken by the Myanmar’s army was stopped by the Indian border guarding forces following the understanding that there cannot be any construction within 10 metres of unverified border pillars.

Geographical demarcation of Indian Border with Myanmar
Myanmar shares its border with north-eastern Indian states namely Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. Myanmar acts as a zone of only land passage from India to South East Asia.

Background of India Myanmar Relations

India and Myanmar shares cordial bilateral relations as neighbors. The relationship between the defence forces of the two countries has been good and the armies of both sides have been substantive since 1990s. Indian also holds a relationship of supplying arms-equipment to Myanmar Armed Forces.

Armed forces of Myanmar are officially known as Tatmadaw.

Comment

India as a country shares its border with eight countries, namely Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It keeps receiving threats from the neighbors like engagement of army from Pakistan to infiltrate insurgents into India and create disturbances; Chinese Army keeps intruding the borders across ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, as it follows the policy of proactive aggressive expansion.  

Sri Lanka on the other hand has provided access to its ports to China, which acts as a threat of strategic defence on Indian part.