Operation Sunrise (2019)

India and Myanmar share a 1,640-kilometer border which has historically been exploited by insurgent groups operating in India's Northeast. The groups have often established camps in Myanmar's remote border regions, using them as bases to launch attacks in India. Additionally, the Arakan Army posed a threat to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project which is a key infrastructure initiative to connect India's Northeast to Southeast Asia via Myanmar's Sittwe Port. The operation was a joint action to secure the region and dismantle the insurgent camps located in Myanmar's Sagaing region. ==Operation==

Phase 1 Operation Sunrise I took place between February 17 and March 2, 2019, focusing on neutralizing threats to the Kaladan Project and insurgent camps along the border. The primary objective was to dismantle camps of the Arakan Army, The operation was a coordinated effort, with the Indian Army mobilizing troops along the Mizoram border to strengthen defenses and provide surveillance support, while the Myanmar Army conducted strikes against insurgent camps within its territory. Indian forces reportedly did not cross the border but maintained a strong posture to prevent insurgents from fleeing into India. The Myanmar Army targeted Arakan Army camps and NSCN-K bases, including those in the Taga area of Sagaing Region. Arakan Army later moved towards the Indian border near Mizoram, raising concerns about attacks on Indian workers. Indian intelligence detected the movements leading to coordination between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of Military Operations Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan with Myanmar's military leadership. The operation disrupted AA activities near the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, temporarily securing the area for continued development. The operation began with the Indian Army where 15 battalions, including Assam Rifles and infantry units were deployed. The forces were supported by Special Forces, drones, and night-vision equipment which were sealed off to escape routes to prevent insurgents from crossing into India. During operation sunrise II, According to reports, more than six dozen militants from groups such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) were apprehended, and several of their camps were destroyed. The Myanmar Army reportedly suffered casualties during the operation, with at least 13 soldiers killed in clashes with the Arakan Army. ==Aftermath==

The Arakan Army remained active in the region despite the operations. There were also concerns raised by local communities in India's Northeast, particularly in Mizoram, about the increased military presence and the role of central forces without prior consultation with state authorities. Although the operations disrupted several insurgent networks, some of the groups were reported to have regrouped later. The two countries later planned to continued with a third phase, Operation Sunrise III to launch by 2020 but it did not take place properly. Following these operations, India emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with Myanmar to prevent insurgent groups from using its territory as a base. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this during discussions with at that time Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi at the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in November 2019. He also expressed India's readiness to expand socio-economic projects in Rakhine State. To further solidify defense collaboration, India and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2019. This agreement focused on enhancing military training, joint surveillance, maritime security, and infrastructure development. The MoU was signed during the visit of Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, to India. ==See also==