Neha Patil (Editor)

Myanmar–Pakistan relations

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Myanmar–Pakistan relations

Pakistan and Burma have cordial relations with each other, ever since 1947 both the Union of Burma and East Pakistan shared a border with each other. Since 1988 both have embassies in each other's capitals. Pakistan International Airlines has flown to Yangon in the past and still operates Hajj charter flights on behalf of the Burmese government.

Pakistan has a diplomatic mission in Rangoon, whilst Burma maintains a diplomatic office in Islamabad.

Burma provided a route for the evacuation of the Dacca-based Pakistani Army Aviation Squadron after the Indian takeover.

On 26 July 2012, a threat was made by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan that they would attack Burma unless Pakistan severed relations with the Burmese government including closing the Burma embassy in Islamabad. This was in response to what they perceived to be crimes against the Rohingya people.

Myanmar has developed military level relations with Pakistan. Pakistan trains Myanmar military personnel in Pakistani Military Tactics at various institutions throughout Pakistan as well as both countries are undergoing a deal to purchase Pakistani fighter jets.

Pakistan has taught submarine skills to the Myanmar Navy. Pakistani JF-17 fighter planes were bought by Myanmar.

The China-Pakistan-Myanmar Nexus

Myanmar’s animosity for New Delhi can be betted upon, especially after the recent cross-border raid by India. In the growing regional dynamics, China is emerging as a world power which can effectively alter the course of events in Asia’s history into a more developed, peaceful and harmonious bloc. Analyst Kamal Alam rightfully concluded his op-ed on warming Pak-Myanmar ties by saying that Pakistan Army needs Myanmar to counterbalance India’s growing influence in Southeast Asia. With Indian meddling in Afghanistan to the west, Pakistan needs a stable strategic ally to India’s east which could prove reliable in times of crises (as in 1971).

China and Pakistan greatly benefit from Myanmar’s strategic location; with China to the north, Myanmar to the east, Sri Lanka to the south and Pakistan itself to the west, India’s overzealous ambitions to become a ‘regional superpower’ can be rigorously monitored.

References

Myanmar–Pakistan relations Wikipedia