Myanmar’s Crisis and the Failure of the ‘ASEAN Way’
Three years since Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, the crisis shows no signs of resolution. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has relied on its consensus-driven ‘ASEAN Way’—emphasizing non-interference and quiet diplomacy—but with little progress. As civilian casualties rise and humanitarian conditions deteriorate, India and the international community must move beyond ineffective diplomacy and take decisive action.
Why the ASEAN Approach Has Fallen Short
ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus (April 2021) called for an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, and humanitarian aid. Yet, Myanmar’s military junta, the State Administration Council (SAC), has ignored these demands. Over 5,000 civilians have been killed, and 2.6 million displaced, per UN reports.
The ‘ASEAN Way’ suffers from two critical flaws:
1. Reliance on Unanimity – Divisions within ASEAN (e.g., Indonesia/Malaysia vs. Thailand/Cambodia) prevent unified action.
2. Non-Interference Policy – The bloc’s hesitation to confront member states enables junta impunity.
Without enforcement, Myanmar remains trapped in a cycle of violence.
India’s Strategic and Humanitarian Dilemma
As Myanmar’s neighbor, India faces competing priorities:
✔ Security Interests – Countering insurgencies in Northeast India and limiting China’s influence.
✔ Humanitarian Crisis – Over 75,000 refugees have fled to India, with thousands more in need of aid.
India’s current approach—supporting ASEAN while avoiding direct criticism of the junta—has been criticized as inadequate. A shift toward proactive engagement with Myanmar’s democratic forces (like the National Unity Government) and ethnic armed groups could help break the deadlock.
3 Steps for a More Effective Response
- Targeted Sanctions – Freeze junta leaders’ assets and restrict revenue from gas/gems.
- Cross-Border Aid – India and Thailand should establish humanitarian corridors to bypass junta restrictions.
- Support for the Opposition – Legitimize the NUG and collaborate with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) for an inclusive future.
The Moral Case for Action
Myanmar’s people continue resisting military rule despite unimaginable suffering. Global inaction risks:
– Normalizing atrocities against civilians.
– Undermining democracy in Southeast Asia.
As the world’s largest democracy, India has a responsibility to lead. By moving beyond the ‘ASEAN Way,’ New Delhi can help end Myanmar’s nightmare—balancing strategic interests with moral obligations.
The Bottom Line: The crisis demands more than statements. It’s time for coordinated, bold action.
