Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
4. As the world’s largest democracy, India desires a stable and prosperous Myanmar where democracy flourishes. But India has to prioritise its own economic and strategic interests in Myanmar. Critically examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Myanmar today remains pessimistic about its future. Exactly two years ago, the military staged yet another coup, snatching power from the elected leaders. It derailed the limited democracy of the previous decade, violating the 2008 constitution which the generals had given to the people.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of Myanmar to India’s foreign policy and steps needed put Myanmar back on a democratic path.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin giving context regarding Indo-Myanmar relations.
Body:
In the first part, mention about the importance of Myanmar to India’s foreign policy. Throw light on economic and strategic significance, act east policy of India etc.
Next, write the various options to ensure the return of democracy in Myanmar. Using U.N and ASEAN, Bilateral diplomacy etc.
Next, write about the other measures of outreach that must be explored by India for a successful Act east policy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
