While aiming to enhance security and curb illegal activities, India must navigate the fine line between enforcement and maintaining cultural and social cohesion across its northeastern frontier
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The recently held BIMSTEC 2nd Foreign Ministers retreat in New Delhi on 11 and 12 July brought into focus a lot of important issues. This retreat not only provided an opportunity for the foreign ministers to discuss matters of mutual interest in an informal setting, but also allowed Dr Jaishankar, the Indian External Affairs Minister, to speak on the sidelines with his Myanmar counterpart, U Than Shwe, about the growing border instability, which facilitates the trafficking of people, proliferation of online scams, and transportation of illegal drugs across borders.
The issue of illegal narcotics trafficking, a severe crime affecting national health, well-being, and security, was a key focus. The UNODC has highlighted Myanmar's significant role in the Golden Triangle, a central drug trafficking hub since the 1950s. Despite a decline in opium cultivation since 2015, Myanmar was the second-largest opium producer until 2022, contributing to 25 percent of global production. However, in 2023, Myanmar became the world's top opium producer with 1,080 tonnes, while Afghanistan's output fell to 330 tonnes following a Taliban crackdown. The UNODC warns that Myanmar's opium production could rise further, posing significant security risks across Asia, including India.
The aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis and the 2021 military takeover have severely weakened Myanmar's economy. The ongoing civil war between the pro-democracy groups, armed ethnic groups, and the Junta has further exacerbated the situation. The economy, which had grown at an average annual rate of 6 percent from 2011 to 2019, contracted by 18 percent in 2021, followed by a modest 3 percent growth in 2022. The devaluation of the kyat by nearly half led to 16 percent inflation, with the World Bank forecasting a minimal 1 percent growth for 2024. These figures underscore the dire economic conditions in Myanmar.
Industries like construction, garments, tourism, and hospitality suffered significant job losses, while increased fuel prices and a stronger dollar further strained the economy. The constant security threats, and governance disruption following the military takeover in February 2021 have pushed farmers in remote areas to cultivate opium to survive, a crop they had been growing since the pre-Independence era.
The constant security threats, and governance disruption following the military takeover in February 2021 have pushed farmers in remote areas to cultivate opium to survive, a crop they had been growing since the pre-Independence era.
While plant-based drugs have seen a resurgence, synthetic drugs like methamphetamines have also gained a lot of popularity, contributing to a decline in opium production in 2015. The ease of producing synthetic drugs compared to heroin, with synthetic drugs requiring less labour and specific environmental conditions, has driven this shift. Methamphetamines are synthesised in indoor labs by small teams of chemists, yielding higher profits for less labour. In addition, the availability of alternative raw materials further facilitates low-cost production with a shift from traditional precursors like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to phenylacetone (P-2-P) based manufacturing methods.
The majority of synthetic drug and opium production in Myanmar is concentrated in the Shan State's 'special regions,' under the control of rebel groups like the United Wa State Army and National Democratic Alliance Army, which collaborate with organised criminal networks. This area benefits from fragmented state jurisdictions and proximity to China and Southeast Asian drug and precursor markets. In 2023, the UNODC report noted that the illicit manufacture of these drugs is increasingly expanding to neighbouring countries.
India shares a 1643 Km porous border with Myanmar. The proximity of India's northeastern states—Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh—to Myanmar's porous border coupled with the Free Movement Regime that allows 16 km access from both sides, facilitates easy access for drug smugglers, traffickers, and insurgent groups. This accessibility contributes to the trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs within these regions, exacerbating local and regional security concerns.
Manipur and Mizoram serve as major transit hubs for drug trafficking from Myanmar, utilising two primary routes: One from Mandalay through Monewa and Kalewa to Tamu-Moreh (Manipur) or Rih-Champhai (Mizoram), and another from Bhamo through Homalin to Nagaland, onward to Assam, Kolkata, and beyond in India. Illicitly-produced opium along the Indo–Myanmar border, particularly in Manipur, is transported to Myanmar for heroin production and then smuggled back into India. Medicinal preparations are also smuggled from India to Myanmar through similar routes.
Manipur and Mizoram serve as major transit hubs for drug trafficking from Myanmar, utilising two primary routes.
Recent years have seen an alarming rise in drug seizures in India's northeastern states bordering Myanmar. The Manipur Police seized contraband valued at approximately US$ 126.94 million between July 2022 and July 2023. The year 2024 continues to reflect this troubling trend, as indicated by drug seizure reports across several the Northeastern Region (NER) states. Between 1 January and 25 April this year, the Excise & Narcotics Department in Mizoram made significant strides in apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking and alcohol-related activities—2,297 individuals were arrested, and 30 vehicles linked to these illicit activities were seized. The department confiscated substantial amounts of illegal substances, including 26.494 kg of heroin, 384.1001 kg of ganja, and 112.528 kg of methamphetamines. Additionally, the department intercepted 5,127 vials of cough syrup, 1,678 tablets of Alprazolam, and 136 tablets of tramadol, reinforcing its commitment to curbing substance abuse across Mizoram.
The Indian government has expressed deep concern about ongoing drug issues, leading to bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing and conducting controlled delivery operations (CD). These operations involve coordinated efforts to intercept and seize illicit drug shipments, thereby disrupting trafficking networks. Additionally, India has initiated director-general talks with Myanmar to address drug-related issues with international implications, fostering cooperation and collaboration in tackling the drug trade.
In this regard, Myanmar hosted the 7th Myanmar-India Bilateral Meeting on Drug Control between the officials of India and Myanmar in January 2024, which was conducted online. The meeting addressed the growth of the drug trade and the importance of international and regional collaboration to curb this crime. To address the drug problem effectively, prioritising the control of precursor chemicals essential for drug production is crucial. Both nations plan to enhance their cooperation with neighbouring countries to regulate these precursors, but steps towards this goal must be formulated.
The meeting addressed the growth of the drug trade and the importance of international and regional collaboration to curb this crime.
New Delhi also needs to recognise that the nation of Myanmar is increasingly becoming fragmented post-Operation 1027, with each bordering region being controlled by ethnic armed groups. Given this situation, increasing communication and cooperation with non-state actors and stakeholders controlling border regions could play a crucial role in monitoring and addressing ongoing drug activities. Dr. Jaishankar’s words about engaging with all stakeholders in the BIMSTEC Foreign Retreat indicate this direction, but a formal policy is needed.
The Indian government is also contemplating the cessation of the Free Movement Regime and the construction of a fence along the India-Myanmar border. This measure is intended to restrict narcotics trafficking and other illegal activities and reduce the influx of Myanmar citizens into India. Nonetheless, this initiative has encountered resistance from various quarters, including the Mizoram government and social activists. They argue that such actions could undermine the ethnic ties between communities and foster distrust towards the government. Moreover, there's a concern that this could inadvertently increase the use of illicit pathways across the border.
While aiming to enhance security and curb illegal activities, India must navigate the fine line between enforcement and maintaining cultural and social cohesion across its northeastern frontier. This delicate balance underscores India's broader challenges as it grapples with the consequences of Myanmar's instability, not just in terms of security but also in preserving the longstanding kinship ties that bind communities across these borders.
Sreeparna Banerjee is a Junior Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.
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Sreeparna Banerjee is an Associate Fellow in the Strategic Studies Programme. Her work focuses on the geopolitical and strategic affairs concerning two Southeast Asian countries, namely ...
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