India-Myanmar Land Border Crossing Agreement

About:

• The agreement was earlier signed in May 2018. Under it, any Myanmarese or Indian national with a valid passport and visa can now cross over without requiring special permission.
  
  
• Significance: The Agreement opens up roads between the two countries, and brings them closer for travellers and traders. It is a key step in India’s Act East policy.
  
  

Background:

• The two crossing points are at Moreh in Manipur, opposite Tamu in Myanmar’s Sagaing division, and Zokhawthar in Mizoram, opposite Rhikhawdar in Myanmar’s Chin state.
  
  
• Earlier, these crossing points were meant only for people of the border villages on either side. Border passes valid for up to three days were issued for these visits, and travel was restricted to 16 km from the crossing point.
  
  
• Passes were issued to other citizens, but they could not stay overnight across the border. To travel further on either side, cross-border visitors needed special permits.
  
  
• Under the new regime, for anyone with a passport and visa, the crossing points will be open routinely to travel anywhere in the other country.