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IDSA-MISIS 1st Bilateral Dialogue on "Myanmar in Transition: Implications for India"

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  • November 01, 2013
    Bilateral
    Only by Invitation

    Programme

    9.30 – 10.00 am: Registration

    10.00-10.15 am: Inaugural Session

    Welcome address by Dr Arvind Gupta, DG, IDSA
    Opening Remarks by MISIS Representative

    10.15-11.30 am Session 1: Global and Regional Geopolitics

    Moderator: Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia
    Panelists:
    1. MISIS delegate
    2. Mr. Sanjay Pulipaka, ICRIER
    Discussion

    11.30-12.45 pm Session 2: India-Myanmar Relations

    Moderator: Amb. Veena Sikri
    Panelists:
    1. MISIS delegate
    2. Dr Udai Bhanu Singh
    Discussion

    12.45-1.00 pm Concluding Remarks
    Dr Arvind Gupta
    MISIS Representative

    1.00- 2.00 pm Lunch

    Concept Note

    Myanmar is undergoing a critical phase of transition, wherein important political, economic and social changes have taken place and will continue to occur. This has drawn in not only the domestic stakeholders but also the external players. Will the current reforms meet the expectations of its own people and the regional and global actors? After the initial euphoria about Myanmar, will the momentum be sustained? Without doubt, the changes expected of Myanmar would not happen overnight. To be durable and sustainable, the reform has to be indigenous and not imposed from outside. Domestic, and regional/international imperatives will impel Myanmar to draw a clearer picture of its future. Will the change come before Myanmar takes over as the ASEAN Chair in 2014, or when elections are held in 2015, or would it extend extend beyond 2015, to perhaps, 2020? How long drawn out this process turns out to be, would hinge on players both domestic and external.

    India has stakes in the future of Myanmar and seeks to be a partner in the progress and prosperity of Myanmar. Myanmar occupies a geo-strategic position in India’s neighbourhood and forms an important element in its ‘Look East’ policy. It is important for its security, for its energy security, and for its developmental priorities, including in its Northeast. India is conscious that the challenges that Myanmar faces could have spillover effects on its security. Perhaps the biggest challenge that Myanmar faces is the challenge of ethnic reconciliation. The reverberations of the Rohingya crisis were felt outside Myanmar and India was no exception. India was impacted when in July terrorists targeted the sacred Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya with a series of bomb blasts. Some differences on the border are being ironed out as well. While challenges persist in Myanmar, there are opportunities to be harnessed both in the field of security and development. India’s own experience with democracy could be a guide to the reform process in Myanmar.

    Contact Conference Coordinator Dr. Udai Bhanu Singh email udaibhanusingh@hotmail.com

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