Chinese dominance in Myanmar a security threat for India, warns Defence Chief General Bipin Rawat

New Delhi: – Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat pointed out that the Chinese grip on Myanmar has become tighter. Thus, it poses a possible threat to Indian security. At the same time, the defence chief warned that by using Rohingya refugees, extremist groups could challenge the stability and security of the region. General Rawat pointed out that China, which had completely failed to put pressure on India over the Ladakh LAC, could threaten Indian security in this way. The remarks made by the defence chief before the start of the 12th round of talks between India and China to ease tensions over the LAC in Ladakh clearly show that India is not ready to trust China.

Myanmar’s military overthrew democrat leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February. After that, the military is in control of Myanmar. China has been blamed for the uprising. The United States and the international community have imposed sanctions to stop Myanmar’s military. But China is benefiting from the sanctions. Because of these restrictions, China is investing heavily in Myanmar under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This has further strengthened the Chinese grip on Myanmar. This poses a challenge to Indian security interests.

Against this backdrop, the Defence Chief warned that India needs to keep a close eye on China’s actions in neighbouring Myanmar. He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Opportunities and Challenges in North East India’. The restoration of the situation in Myanmar is vital for India. He said that India has historical and cultural ties with Myanmar. General Rawat also emphasized the importance of the security of the Siliguri Corridor or ‘Chicken Neck’, which connects the northeastern states to the country. Stating that the safety of the chicken neck has become a sensitive issue due to the Chinese actions in the region, the defence chief hinted that China is preparing to pose a new challenge to Indian security in this way.

General Rawat also warned of the threats posed by Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, infiltrating into other countries. Extremists could use the Rohingya refugees to challenge stability and peace in the region, the defence chief warned. Although not directly mentioned, General Rawat has hinted at a Chinese conspiracy.

After trying as hard as possible to put pressure on India over Ladakh’s LAC, China is ready to teach India a lesson differently. For this, China tried to infiltrate other parts of the LAC. However, the Indian Defence Forces, fully aware of these tactics, have not allowed China to succeed on this front. So, using Myanmar, which is under its influence, China seems ready to pose new challenges to India. It was recently reported that China was working to destabilize the Siliguri corridor and cut off the northeastern states from India. It is becoming clear that China is behind this conspiracy.

General Rawat warned meanwhile, in addition to the challenges posed by China, the problem of terrorist activities along the northeastern border, illegal immigrants and drug trafficking will also be dangerous for the country. To overcome these challenges, the central and state security forces need to be more vigilant. At the same time, there is a need to increase political-military cooperation between the countries in the region and at the international level, he said. Defence chief recalled that as the sanctuary for militants in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar dwindled, so did the bloodshed in the northeastern states. In the northeastern states, counter-insurgency operations were carried out consistently.