India Expands Reach with Sittwe Port Deal, Boosts Trade with Southeast Asia

India has secured a major strategic and economic win by gaining full operational rights to Myanmar's Sittwe Port. This development strengthens India's connectivity with Southeast Asia and marks a significant expansion of its maritime footprint in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) approved the takeover by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a state-owned company specializing in overseas port projects. This move follows India's successful development of Iran's Chabahar Port and underscores its growing ambition in regional infrastructure.

The Sittwe Port is a linchpin of the broader Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project. This project envisions a comprehensive land-and-sea trade corridor linking India's eastern ports to Myanmar and beyond. The goal is to create a shorter, more cost-effective route for trade with India's northeastern states, bypassing the congested Siliguri Corridor.

The full activation of Sittwe Port, which welcomed its inaugural Indian cargo vessel in May 2023, holds great promise. By securing operational control, India can ensure the project's efficiency, boosting trade with Myanmar and other Southeast Asian nations. This strategic move strengthens India's position as a regional economic player.

 

[Satya Dev]

We could have had our own port in Chittgaon, but it was given away by chacha because jeh@di jinna complained to g@ndhiji that he doesn't want East P@xtan to be surrounded on all sides by Bharat - so in spite of Chittgaon being a Hindu-Buddhist majority district it was given away to P@xtan, restricting our access to our 7 NE sisters from the sea.

 

[Bharat007]

Success of this project requires good rapport with Chin and Arakan Rebels. With Chin rebels, India has good relations but with Arakan rebels it's bitter sweet due to Andaman episode.

 

[MP Singh]

Manipur conflict is linked with the kaladan multi modal transit transport project. India uses chin state rebel to protect the project that's developed in myanmar, this chin rebel demanded separate administration in manipur. Chin rebel enter into manipur and started burning 🔥 houses in churachandpur, manipur, india on 3rd of may 2023

 

[Sunnyj]

Should swap/buy land for a port that side with Myanmar or Bangladesh.