The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a Pakistan-backed militant group, claimed responsibility for a targeted attack on the Arakan Army (AA) in Myanmar’s Rakhine State on August 10, 2025. According to ARSA’s statement, the assault took place in Taung Pyo Let Ya (Tombru) and targeted two AA camps. The operation, which began at 11:00 p.m. and lasted approximately 50 minutes, reportedly resulted in significant casualties for the AA, with at least five fighters killed, over twelve severely injured, and several others fleeing the scene.

ARSA, known for its activities among the Rohingya population in Rakhine, has been accused of receiving support from Pakistan-based groups, including Lashkar-e-Tayiba proxies, raising concerns in India about the destabilizing impact of such networks in the region. The Arakan Army, a prominent ethnic Rakhine insurgent group composed of mostly Buddhists, fighting for greater autonomy in Myanmar, has been locked in conflict with various factions, including the Myanmar military and other militant groups like ARSA. The group maintains good bond with India and China.

Rakhine State holds significant strategic importance for India due to its proximity to India’s northeastern borders and its role in India’s regional security and economic interests. Rakhine State shares a border with Bangladesh, which is adjacent to India’s northeastern states, particularly Tripura and Mizoram. Instability in Rakhine, such as clashes between groups like ARSA and the AA, risks spilling over into Bangladesh, potentially triggering refugee inflows or cross-border militancy that could affect India’s security.

India is heavily invested in the Kaladan project, a $484-million infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting India’s northeastern states to the Bay of Bengal via Rakhine’s Sittwe Port. The project includes road, river, and sea routes, enhancing India’s trade and connectivity with Southeast Asia. Ongoing violence in Rakhine threatens the operationalization of this critical project, which is vital for India’s Act East Policy.

A few days ago Pakistan had stated that it would attack India from the east, could also hint at the surge in Pakistan backed groups like ARSA.

India has consistently advocated for stability in Myanmar, supporting diplomatic efforts to address the Rakhine conflict while safeguarding its strategic interests. The recent ARSA-AA clash shows the volatile dynamics in the region, prompting India to closely monitor developments and strengthen its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh to mitigate potential fallout.