History is being written as Myanmar takes its first steps towards democracy after decades of military rule. This gradual yet complex transition promises new opportunities for India to build its relations with Myanmar. Last month, Aspen Institute India in association with Institute of Leadership Entrepreneurship Development (iLead) organised a session on “New Road to Mandalay: the promise and challenges of a new relationship” to discuss India’s foreign policy towards Myanmar and how can India make its presence felt as an important geopolitical force in the country in the face of imminent competition, mainly from China. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, Foreign Editor, Hindustan Times and Member of National Security Advisory Board, Government of India led the discussion and shared fascinating insights around the diplomatic and strategic positioning India needs to adopt in gaining and strengthening its foothold in the geopolitical environment in Myanmar.

Before participating in the New Great Game, India like all other countries must accept the fact that China is and will remain the undisputed leading economic partner of Myanmar in the foreseeable future. Given this precondition, the game will essentially be played out between China on the one hand and the Rest of the World on the other. The US, Japan and India should collectively aim at reducing China’s dominance.

China completely dominates the mineral industry in Myanmar and India simply doesn’t stand a chance to compete. According to Pramit, It will thereby be prudent for India to aim at making inroads through infrastructure and other industries like telecom, civil aviation and other services industries. Joint ventures and investment in infrastructure development of Myanmar appear to be the most appropriate avenues for India to make a visible impact in the country. India is a playing a key part along with Japan and the US in constructing the trilateral highway linking India, Myanmar and Thailand, with Vietnam and Cambodia now eager to be linked to this highway. India is also building the Sittwe corridor and port in South Myanmar, which will provide India with an alternative channel to South East Asia. This project is expected to be completed by 2016. Apart from greater private sector participation, India also needs to increasingly explore the soft power link by promoting bilateral skills transfer, tourism and Buddhist pilgrimage from Myanmar.

View the full video coverage of the session here