Our Bureau
New Delhi
India is examining a proposal to exchange small parcels of land with Myanmar to resolve a long-pending border demarcation issue along the Manipur frontier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed, while stressing that no final decision has been taken and consultations are still underway. The proposal aims to settle an undemarcated stretch of the India-Myanmar boundary between border pillars 65 and 68, where the alignment has remained unresolved for decades.
Responding to reports on the proposed territorial adjustment, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said discussions on the matter are ongoing and any decision would follow due process. Officials indicated that the proposal involves a limited exchange of land intended solely to facilitate precise boundary demarcation and eliminate ambiguities along the international border.
The area under consideration lies in Manipur’s Chandel district, adjoining Myanmar’s Kabaw Valley. According to reports citing official documents, nearly 1.4 square miles of territory could be exchanged if both countries reach a mutually acceptable agreement. However, the government has not officially disclosed the size or contours of the proposed swap.
The development comes amid India’s broader efforts to strengthen border management with Myanmar. In recent months, New Delhi and Naypyidaw have enhanced cooperation on intelligence sharing, counter-insurgency operations, narcotics control, arms smuggling and human trafficking. Myanmar has also assured India that its territory will not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests.
India shares a 1,643-kilometre border with Myanmar, spanning Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. The Centre has already announced plans to fence large sections of the porous border while reviewing the Free Movement Regime to address security concerns. Any agreement on border realignment is expected to be weighed against strategic, administrative and local sensitivities before a final decision is taken.