Kathmandu. The dragon that spearheaded the ideology of the rise of the Asian century has been intent on paving the pathway towards the realization of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As Beijing became more proactive in its aspirations, it recently turned towards Myanmar. Since China’s influence has lessened in Myanmar following the latter’s reformations in 2011, it has been trying to approach its neighbor with the intention to build a corridor linking landlocked southwestern China to the Indian Ocean.

Since the discussions for such projects gained traction within the public eye, the senior security officials in Myanmar have made their discontent more than apparent. Myanmar has a national debt of $10 billion, amongst which it owes China $4 billion. Amidst the complex relationship, Naypyidaw has attempted to seek India’s help for a litany of infrastructure projects. This comes as reports surface mentioning China’s involvement in training and providing arms to the insurgents active in anti-India campaigns in Myanmar.

The stage for the dialogues is set upon the highly explosive backdrop of the India-China face-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Even as disengagement talks gain foothold for Delhi and Beijing, circumstances have not grown any more conducive for effectively diffusing the tensions at the border. Myanmar, additionally has made it abundantly clear that the bilateral relations with India cannot be based on its engagements with China.

Now Myanmar and India have come together with promises of limiting the”anti-India insurgents and drug smugglers,” along the shared border. A high-level Indian delegation consisting of the Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and Army Chief General MM Naravane from India will be traveling to Myanmar, primarily focusing on operationalizing the Kaladan multi-modal project and strengthening the security ties. According to the Times of India, four major sectors of bilateral associations have been highlighted, based on issues of conducting diplomatic cooperation, maintaining security engagements, furthering  development projects, and promoting economic partnerships and investments.

The Indian Ambassador had given a $5 million cheque to Myanmar for advancing developments around the border areas in August. As per the MoU signed between the nations in 2012, it is committed to deliver the same sum each year over the time of 5 years to Nay Pyi Taw. It has already completed a total of 140 projects under the memorandum.

The geopolitical shifts that may result from the power struggle between China and India will affect the entire region. Cooperation between Myanmar and India will undoubtedly depend on the stability of the overarching interdependencies.