- Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba reignited the debate by demanding the return of the Kabaw Valley or the resumption of compensation payments, bringing the issue back into the national discourse.
- On the economic front, if ties worsen, it could affect major infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
- If this issue remains unresolved, it could increase tensions along the India-Myanmar border, disrupt trade, and weaken India’s regional influence.
Introduction
The Kabaw Valley dispute between India and Myanmar has again come into focus due to recent political statements. This issue, rooted in colonial-era agreements and post-independence diplomacy, has long been a source of resentment, particularly in India’s northeastern region. With Indian parliamentarians raising concerns over the valley’s transfer, the debate has stirred fresh tensions between the two nations. Given its historical significance and geopolitical implications, understanding this dispute is crucial for assessing India-Myanmar relations.
Historical Background
The Kabaw Valley, covering around 22,210 square kilometres, has been a contested region for centuries. It was historically part of the Manipur kingdom before being ceded to the British East India Company under the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826), which ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. In 1834, the British decided to hand over administrative control of the valley to Burma (now Myanmar), while agreeing that Manipur’s king would receive a monthly compensation of 500 Sicca rupees.
This arrangement continued even after India’s independence, but in 1953, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Burmese Prime Minister U Nu agreed to permanently transfer the valley to Burma, ending the compensation payments. This decision was made without consulting the people of Manipur, leading to lasting resentment, especially among those who still see the valley as an integral part of their historical homeland.
Recent Developments
On March 10, 2025, Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba reignited the debate by demanding the return of the Kabaw Valley or the resumption of compensation payments. His statement brought the issue back into national discourse, emphasizing its historical and emotional significance for Manipur. Around the same time, Mizoram MP K. Vanlalvena suggested that Myanmar’s Chinland Council consider merging with India, citing strong ethnic and cultural ties between the Chin and Mizo communities.
These remarks did not sit well with Myanmar’s military junta, which condemned them as a violation of its sovereignty. Given the junta’s ongoing struggle to maintain control after the 2021 coup, any external statements regarding territorial issues are met with strong opposition.
Impact on India-Myanmar Relations
The resurgence of this dispute has the potential to strain diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar. India has carefully maintained a working relationship with Myanmar’s military while also supporting democratic forces in the country. However, tensions over territorial claims and ethnic integration could push Myanmar closer to China, which has been strengthening its influence in the region.
Security cooperation between the two countries is another critical concern. The 1,643 km-long India-Myanmar border is home to several insurgent groups. Myanmar’s military has, in the past, cooperated with India to curb cross-border militancy, but deteriorating relations could weaken this partnership. The ongoing issue of border fencing and the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows local communities to travel freely across the border, could also become more contentious.
On the economic front, if ties worsen, it could affect major infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. These initiatives are crucial for India’s Act East Policy, aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia. If relations sour, Myanmar could delay or block these projects, affecting connectivity and trade in the region. Additionally, restrictions on cross-border trade would hit India’s northeastern states, further complicating the situation.
Future Impact and Possible Solutions
If this issue remains unresolved, it could increase tensions along the India-Myanmar border, disrupt trade, and weaken India’s regional influence. A lack of cooperation from Myanmar could also lead to more security challenges, especially if cross-border insurgencies rise. A diplomatic approach is key to preventing further escalation. Instead of pushing for territorial revision, India could explore alternatives such as resuming compensation payments to Manipur or proposing joint development projects in the Kabaw Valley. This would acknowledge historical claims while respecting Myanmar’s sovereignty.
Another possible step is enhancing cross-border trade and cooperation. Creating special economic zones or trade hubs in the valley could benefit both nations economically while addressing local grievances. This would ensure that Indigenous communities on both sides of the border are not alienated.
Regional diplomacy could also play a role. India could engage with ASEAN and BIMSTEC to facilitate a peaceful resolution, ensuring that Myanmar does not feel isolated. A regional approach would provide a neutral platform for discussions and help prevent China from taking advantage of tensions.
Conclusion
The Kabaw Valley dispute is more than just a territorial issue; it reflects deeper historical, political, and ethnic complexities in India-Myanmar relations. While recent developments have escalated tensions, there is still room for diplomatic engagement. A balanced and strategic approach, focusing on economic cooperation, regional diplomacy, and historical sensitivities, can help both nations navigate this challenge while maintaining long-term stability in the region.
References:
- Imphal Times. (2025, March 10). MP Sanajaoba demands repatriation of Kabaw Valley to Manipur in Rajya Sabha.
- The Statesman. (2025, March 10). Mizoram MP invites Myanmar’s Chin rebels to join India, citing shared ethnic ties.
- ETV Bharat. (2025, March 10). India calls for cessation of violence in Myanmar.
- The Hindu. (2025, March 10). India losing territory due to faulty border pillars: BJP MP from Manipur.
- AP News. (2025, March 10). In northeast India, a border fence could cut through villages, houses, and lives.
Sakshi Yadav is pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Christ University, Bangalore. Her research areas include International Political Economy, South Asia, South Pacific and U.S. Foreign Policy. Views expressed are the author’s own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Shashank Pandey