India has reportedly authorized $3.7 billion to fund fencing of a porous border with neighboring Myanmar over about a decade, according to a source, in order to try to stop smuggling and other illegal activities.
In February, New Delhi declared its intention to fence the border and cease a decades-long visa-free travel agreement for people living in nations on either side of it, at the same time mentioning national security and the necessity to maintain the demographic composition of India’s northeast areas.
A government committee approved the expenditure on the fencing, which is now awaiting cabinet approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the source communicated on condition of anonymity since not authorized to speak with the media declined to reveal further information.
Emails demanding comments sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Home, Finance, Foreign, and Information and Broadcasting Ministries went unanswered or there was no quick response.
To Note: Myanmar has made no announcement regarding India’s fencing proposals.
