Topic: India and its neighbourhood- relations.
4. A measured and comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term political challenges is essential to restore democracy and stability in Myanmar. Critically examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
A coordinated offensive by Myanmar’s ethnic rebels against the junta in several parts of the country late last month is the clearest sign yet that the coup regime’s hands are overstretched.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the constraints faced by international community, 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.
