Happymon Jacob speaks to Gautam Mukhopadhaya, former ambassador to Myanmar (2013-2016) on the strategic importance of India-Myanmar relations.
The discussion explores the rationale behind the new momentum in India-Myanmar relations and the historical background to the current state of bilateral relations. The conversation brings forth interesting insights regarding India’s strategic port-building projects in Myanmar which would play a crucial role in India’s land and maritime connectivity to the ASEAN region.
Ambassador Mukhopadhaya explains how Myanmar is a ‘launching pad’ for India’s maritime grand strategy. The conversation concludes with the ambassador reasoning how India can afford “a more sympathetic policy towards persecuted refugees”, even while abiding by national interests.