India’s road through Myanmar is one of engagement, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, marking his first visit as President.
• India emphasized a policy of pragmatic engagement with Myanmar, aligning with its Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
• Discussions focused on accelerating key connectivity projects: the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Bilateral trade reached $1.95 billion in 2025-26, with agreements on a rupee-kyat settlement mechanism and cooperation in critical minerals.
• Myanmar assured India that its territory would not be used against Indian interests, following the rescue of over 2,400 Indian nationals from scam centers.

Detailed Insights:

• The visit underscores India's strategy to maintain engagement with Myanmar despite the February 2021 coup, contrasting with Western isolation policies.
• India views Myanmar as a crucial gateway to Southeast Asia and a strategic partner to counter China's growing influence in the region.
• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project aims to connect Kolkata to Mizoram via Sittwe, with the road component targeted for completion by 2027.
• The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, linking Moreh to Mae Sot, is vital for transforming India's Northeast into a regional trade hub.
• Delays in these infrastructure projects are primarily due to internal conflicts and security challenges within Myanmar, particularly in Chin State.
• Cooperation extends to security, with Myanmar's pledge against anti-India activities, and education, with increased Mekong-Ganga ICCR scholarships.
• India's approach reflects realpolitik, prioritizing national security and economic interests over internal political arrangements of a neighboring state.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Act East Policy: India's foreign policy initiative to strengthen economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.
• Neighbourhood First Policy: India's foreign policy prioritizing friendly relations and cooperation with its immediate neighbors.
• Realpolitik: A system of politics based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations.
• Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: A major infrastructure project connecting India's eastern ports to its landlocked northeastern states through Myanmar.