Burma's economic relations with India

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Description: "As Burma strategically lies at the crossroads of the Indian subconti- nent, southwestern China, the Indian Ocean and the rest of continental Southeast Asia, both an emerging India and a rising China have found increasing interests in this regional node since the end of the 1980s. The changing of guards in Rangoon through a military coup d’état orchestrated by a younger generation of Tatmadaw (Burmese Army) officers in September 1988 indeed offered the two giants an opportu- nity to refocus their regional strategic ambitions on Burma. A new dimension of the Sino-Indian rivalry was thus highlighted and many academic researchers pointed out the rise of the strategic competition between Beijing and New Delhi through Burma throughout the 1990s. Almost two decades after the beginnings of the Chinese thrust into the Burmese strategic field and India’s gradual reaction to it, this article seeks to assess the state of the rivalry between the two giants in Burma. By focusing the analysis on the perceptions, interests and achievements of India and China’s approach to Burma on the ground in the past 20 years, it seeks to question the severity and intensity of this Sino-Indian “competition” in the Burmese field. It is argued here that despite having realized obvious breakthroughs in the region, India and China still face many difficulties in Burma, and are unable to openly use it as a mere playground for their bilateral “rivalry.” After a brief discussion of the academic literature that has dealt with the rise of the rivalry since the early 1990s, this paper will explore the most visible expressions of this Sino-Indian contest in Burma. The energy and military sectors, tensions in border areas and the quest for a strategic access to the Indian Ocean are the most crucial factors, but it will be postulated hereafter that each has its own limits. Given internal divisions, hesitations, misreadings or misperceptions in New Delhi and Beijing, as well as the nationalist stance of the Burmese military regime, this article will claim that the Sino-Indian competi- tion over Burma must not be overestimated. Indeed, the Burmese field itself offers considerable resistance to the further thrust of India and China in the region, limiting the phenomenon to a mere “quiet rivalry.” The Rise of a “Strategic Rivalry”: Perceptions and Interpretations of Indian and Chinese Policies toward Burma since the 1990s When a new Burmese junta (SLORC2 ) succeeded the autarchic military regime of General Ne Win in September 1988, Beijing and New Delhi adopted two different approaches to the developments in Burma. After a decade of tense relations in the 1960s, China had clearly redefined its Burma strategy according to its national and security interests, through a more friendly policy initiated by Deng Xiaoping’s visit to Rangoon in January 1978. A few years later, with a landmark academic article published in 1985 by the official Beijing Review, 3 China unveiled its economic and military ambitions in Burma and had only a few more years to wait before taking the opportunity to fully implement them. When the SLORC, ostracized by the international community after its harsh repression of the pro-democracy movement during the summer of 1988, indicated its willingness to establish a new partnership with Beijing, China swiftly filled the vacuum left by international donors and regional powers. Confirmed after the Tiananmen Square repression by the official visit to China by General Than Shwe (then the SLORC’s Vice-Chairman) in October 1989, the new Sino-Burmese partnership enabled China to gain a sound strategic foothold in Burma within just a few years..."
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Source/publisher: India Review via Routledge (London)
2008-01-01
Date of entry/update: 2021-04-18
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Sub-title: India has recently stressed increasing ties with its neighbors, and stronger ties with Myanmar are key to that strategy
Description: "On June 1, 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the Shangri-La Dialogue formally announced his country’s Indo-Pacific policy. He also said that India advocated an independent, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific system in the region. At the same time, major steps were taken to strengthen relations with the US, Japan and Australia through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. It is important to note here that India had been avoiding connecting the Quad directly to the Indo-Pacific. The Indian government also tried to end the skepticism of the Southeast Asian countries by calling for the Indo-Pacific policy to keep New Delhi’s “Act East” policy and ASEAN countries at the center. However, Indian policymakers soon realized that if the Indo-Pacific regional system was to materialize, then faster and bigger steps would have to be taken. In November 2019, during the 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok, Modi announced the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Recently, this was once again glimpsed when External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka from January 5-7, where he insisted on promoting cooperation between India and its neighbors under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. There is no doubt that despite the difficulties and ups and downs, India’s cooperation with every country in South Asia, except Pakistan, has increased..."
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Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2021-01-11
Date of entry/update: 2021-01-12
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Description: "Bangladesh is interested in joining the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) trilateral highway to enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia, which would open a new chapter in trans-border corridors in the Indo-Pacific region. Dhaka’s expressed interest to join IMT — at a time when Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar or BCIM has made scant progress — during prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s virtual summit with her counterpart Narendra Modi on Thursday. She sought India’s support to enable Bangladesh to join the initiative, according to the joint statement issued at the end of the summit. The IMT highways is aimed at opening land gate to ASEAN and boost trade and commerce. India has also proposed extending the highway to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. India has undertaken two projects in Myanmar under the 1,360-km IMT project that starts from Moreh in India to Mae Sot in Thailand through Myanmar. These are construction of the 120-km Kalewa-Yagyi road sections to highway standard and upgrading of 69 bridges and approach roads on the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa road section of 150 km. Bangladesh also wants trucks with its goods to enter Bhutan and Nepal through India and Hasina sought cooperation from Modi in this regard at the summit in what would promote Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) road connectivity as part of sub-regional cooperation, ET has learnt. At the summit Bangladesh and India discussed ways of cooperation to expand transportation solutions within BBIN region, apart from cooperation in cross-border energy trade. To facilitate better connectivity and simplify movement of passengers and goods between both the countries, both leaders agreed to an early operationalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement through expeditious signing of the Enabling MoU for Bangladesh, India and Nepal to commence the movement of goods and passengers, with provision for Bhutan to join at a later date..."
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Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-12-18
Date of entry/update: 2021-01-03
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Description: "Myanmar has decided to expedite India-backed infrastructure projects and widen security ties with India as it seeks to balance China's expanding presence in the country in the backdrop of Beijing's active cross-border support for rebel groups and push for early completion of BRI projects. Myanmar’s all-powerful generals, who have controlled the country for decades, are upset with the Chinese strategy of arming rebel groups, including Islamic radicals. They are also upset with China's pressure on Myanmar to implement Belt-Road-Initiative (BRI) projects in spite of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, ET has learnt China is planning a China-Myanmar-Economic Corridor (CMEC), on the lines of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to get access to the Bay of Bengal and the eastern part of the Indian Ocean Region. Several other BRI related projects threaten to push Myanmar to a debt trap. Speaking to journalists in Russia last month on the occasion of Victory Day parade, commander-in-chief of Myanmar armed forces Senior General Min Aung Hlaing called for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, saying that terrorist groups exist because of “strong forces” Many analysts in Myanmar say Gen Hlaing’scomment was targeted at China, which the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) suspects is continuing to provide arms to rebel groups on the Myanmar-China border and to the ArakanArmy (AA), which is now operating in northern Rakhine state as well as the radical ArakanRohingya Salvation Army. The general's comments broadly reflects the sentiment among the top military leadership of the armed forces in Naypyitaw, ET has learnt.Interestingly the comments were made in Russia -- Myanmar's old defence partner..."
Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-07-09
Date of entry/update: 2020-07-09
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Description: "Creating a roadmap for exploring opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Myanmar to empower women entrep reneurs and generate sustainable livelihoods for women was discussed on an online webinar this week, according to the Economic Times. The online event was organised by the FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO). It was organised in partnership with the Indian Embassy in Myanmar, India Myanmar Chamber of Commerce (IMCC) and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (MWEA). Saurabh Kumar, High Comissioner of India to Myanmar and Sunil Seth, President of India Myanmar Chamber of Commerce talked about growing business opportunities between the two countries. Both countries are currently in some form of lockdown due to the coronavirus but are looking to open up soon. The event was help in part because of the growing interaction between the two countries given Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy that focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2020-06-12
Date of entry/update: 2020-06-15
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Description: "Creating a roadmap for exploring opportunities for collaboration between Indian and Myanmar to empower women entrepreneurs and generate sustainable livelihoods for women was discussed at a webinar. It was organised by the FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO). The interactive session was organised in partnership with the Indian Embassy in Myanmar, India Myanmar Chamber of Commerce (IMCC) and Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (MWEA). Saurabh Kumar, High Comissioner of India to Myanmar and Sunil Seth, President of India Myanmar Chamber of Commerce talked about growing business opportunities between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy focuses on the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region. Its primary objective is to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and develop strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region through continuous engagement at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels..."
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Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-06-13
Date of entry/update: 2020-06-13
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Description: "India-Myanmar relations are rooted in shared historical, ethnic, cultural, and religious ties that have turned into a multi-folded trade and business partnership that helps in the economic growth of both the nation. To understand the challenges and way forward, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized an interactive webinar on “India-Myanmar Business Promotion, Challenges and Opportunities Post COVID-19” with delegates and panellists. The delegates who deliberated in the webinar were Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Yangon, Myanmar; Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, New Delhi, Republic of India; Mr. Sunil Seth, President, India Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Maung Maung Lay, Vice President, Union of Myanmar, Federation of Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Yangon, Myanmar, emphasized the maintenance of high-level exchanges over the past few years and affirmed that the momentum should be carried forward. He further said that Myanmar has been an important centre of exchange of trade and business for India as it is a land bridge between India and countries of Southeast Asia. While India-Myanmar shares trade relations in many areas but post-COVID-19 it can expand their trade relations in areas such as pharmacy, healthcare, transport, Food Processing, Steel, Renewable Energy, communication, Education and others which can help both the countries to revive..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2020-06-11
Date of entry/update: 2020-06-11
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Description: "Myanmar-India border trade is down by over 40% for the current fiscal year started October 1st, 2019, due to the temporary closure of border posts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report by Thura Swiss. According to the agency, the trade value went down from US$128 million to US$76 million for the same period, a decrease of 40%. India trades with Myanmar in Mizoram, Manipur, Tamu, Reed, and Thantlang borders. On March 10th, the local government on the Indian side decided to close border gates indefinitely at the Tamu (Sagaing Region) – Moreh (Manipur in India) crossing, Thura Swiss says. India is the fifth largest export destination for Myanmar and sixth largest source of imports according to figures from the Indian Embassy in Myanmar. Also in March, the two governments had announced plans to import 400,000 tonnes of black gram beans from Myanmar between May 2020 and March 2021, according to the report..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2020-06-07
Date of entry/update: 2020-06-07
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Description: "Myanmar is important to India for various reasons. It is the intersection point for India’s Neighbourhood First and the Act East policy. It is also the only South-east Asian country that forms a border with the North-eastern states of India. With an estimate of over 130 ethnic groups, Myanmar’s diverse culture and language is for all to see and experience. Myanmar is close to my heart because of the presence of its vibrant Tamil diaspora that comprises close to 10 lakh people. Over a period of time, the contribution of the Tamil diaspora has attained great heights and there are several examples to highlight the same. One of the most prominent examples is the contribution of Saraswati Rajamani towards Netaji Subash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA). Saraswati’s family was based out of Myanmar before she moved back to India after her period of service in the intelligence wing of the INA which lasted about three years. Simon Anholt, an independent policy advisor, has created an interesting index called the ‘Good Country Index’. The idea, as per its description, is simple: ‘to measure what each country on earth contributes to the common good of humanity, and what it takes away, relative to its size’. In the Indian context, a towering thinker, philosopher and writer named Thiruvalluvar in his time spoke of what and how a good country should be. His expanse, vision and mission were so deep that his magnum opus, titled Thirukurral, has found resonance beyond the shores of India, organically. Thiruvalluvar’s impact in Myanmar is no less. The depth of Thirukural has been time and again emphasized by various Tamil scholars who have written and translated the text for the benefit of all. Be it worship of God, conduct, virtue, love, religion, relationships, gratitude, governance or conduct, the text is a ready reckoner. It deep dives into all of these aspects in a detailed manner. It is said that the Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam carried his copy of Thirukural with him wherever he went. In many of Dr. Kalam’s speeches one can find interesting verses from Thirukural quoted by him..."
Source/publisher: "The Times of India" ( India)
2020-06-04
Date of entry/update: 2020-06-05
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Description: "With 10 agreements signed, India and Myanmar have given a new impetus to their bilateral ties. The focus of these agreements is on development projects in the conflict-ridden Rakhine state in Myanmar. India underlined its support for peace, stability and development in the Rakhine state. "Our ties with Myanmar have continued to steadily expand in all dimensions," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. The bilateral talks, between President U Win Myint of Myanmar and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, covered a range of issues. The leaders discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. They agreed that regular bilateral interactions have given new energy to the relationship between the two nations. In this meeting the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further explore avenues of cooperation in order to expand bilateral ties beneficial for their citizens..."
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Source/publisher: CGTN (China)
2020-03-01
Date of entry/update: 2020-03-02
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Description: "India and Myanmar signed on Thursday 10 agreements with a focus on the socio-economic development of the southeast Asian nation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmarese President U Win Myint. The Myanmarese president, who arrived in India on Wednesday, received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. He and First Lady Daw Cho Cho were welcomed by President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi. The prime minister and President Myint later held talks at Hyderabad House and 10 agreements were signed between the two countries. The focus of many agreements was on development projects under India's assistance, particularly in the conflict-torn Rakhine state. The agreements included an MoU on 'Cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons; Rescue, Recovery, Repatriation and Re-Integration of Victims of Trafficking'. An agreement regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIP) was also signed between the two sides. Three agreements for development projects in the conflict-torn Rakhine state were also signed during the president's visit. The Rakhine state has witnessed a lot of violence in the past and scores of Rohingyas had fled the state facing persecution..."
Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-02-27
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-28
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Sub-title: Myanmar remains hugely important for India. The naval visit last week again focused attention on the role of India and China in the Southeast Asian state, even though New Delhi’s weakness lies more in non-security realms.
Description: "Last week, India’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh visited Myanmar in a trip lasting from February 17 to 20. The trip, which came just weeks after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trip to the country, spotlighted the tussle between China and India for influence in the Southeast Asian state. Myanmar has long factored into India’s strategic calculations: Delhi considers relations with Myanmar to be very important, particularly in the context of evolving Indo-Pacific strategic dynamics, and Myanmar is also a key link in furthering India’s ‘Act East’ Policy. For China, which has a bigger political and economic footprint in Myanmar, its inroads into Myanmar have geostrategic implications because it gives Beijing proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, maritime space that is crucial to Indian security. But India nonetheless continues to compete and consolidate its ties with Myanmar for its own interests. As the statement from the Indian Ministry of Defense said, Admiral Singh’s “visit is intended to consolidate and enhance the bilateral maritime relations between India and Myanmar.”..."
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Source/publisher: "The Diplomat" (Japan)
2020-02-24
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-24
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Description: "The long-awaited bus service to cross the India-Myanmar border through India’s northeastern state of Manipur is set to operate from April. The 579-km service between Mandalay and Imphal, the capital of Manipur, will be the first bus link after 17 years of planning and government talks as part of India’s Look East policy. Shwe Mandalar Express Co., Ltd, a bus line in Myanmar, and Seven Sisters Holidays Co., Ltd in India signed a memorandum of understanding at the Indian Consulate in Mandalay on Feb. 14. “We’ve discussed this since 2018 with many delays because of the bilateral negotiations,” U Nay Lin Oo, the managing director of Shwe Mandalar, told The Irrawaddy. The bus is expected to run once a week with 27-seater buses passing through Monywa, Gangaw, Kalay and Tamu in Sagaing Region. Passengers will have to complete border checks at the Moreh checkpoint..."
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Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2020-02-21
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-21
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Description: "How does India deal with a nation which is ranked 18th (in 2011) in the failed states index and is ruled by a military junta which demonstrates no signs of giving up? What sort of foreign policy does India adopt towards a country which links South Asia with Southeast Asia and hence, is critical for the fulflment of its ambitious look east policy? How does India frame its security policy when a major chunk of the insurgents wreaking havoc in its north-eastern region enjoy safety of this neighbouring country? Does it deal with the military rulers who possibly hold the key to India’s numerous problems and projects or it should it side with the thoroughly marginalised pro-democracy groups who have little hope of assuming control in that country? These are some of the questions that constantly agitated the minds of policy makers in New Delhi as they decided to affect a policy shift in India-Myanmar relations in the early 1990s. There has been no looking back since then. India made a choice for itself, preferring pragmatism over idealism, and stuck to it despite regime changes in New Delhi. This paper is a critical analysis of India’s Myanmar policy and its shift from an idealist position to one that is driven by pragmatism. Examining the drivers behind the policy change, the paper also attempts to foresee whether the policy, in its present form, is adequate for fulflment of India’s objectives in that country..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: Bibhu Prasad Routray
2011-10-00
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-11
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Description: "The rhetoric of “standing up” to China, showing Pakistan “its place,” and protecting “every inch” of national territory are powerful, and intertwined, drivers of modern India’s foreign policy.2 The 2017 Sino–Indian military standoff in Doklam at the Bhutan tri-junction reified some of these narratives as the crisis re-focused attention on (a) the risk of active conflict between the two powers over an unsettled border dispute and (b) India’s management of relations with smaller neighbors in light of strategic rivalry with China.3 Indeed, China’s expanding economic footprint in South Asia as part of the Belt-and-Roads Initiative (BRI) has increased stress on India to compete with Beijing for maintaining strategic influence over its smaller neighbors.4 Throughout the Doklam crisis, which occurred in the backdrop of India’s refusal to join the BRI, New Delhi sought to secure its “special relationship” with Bhutan and not lose territory to China.5 What went largely unnoticed was New Delhi’s troop build-up at the tri-junction with Myanmar.6 Given the situation in Doklam, this was a logical military precaution from an Indian standpoint. The difference remains that unlike Bhutan, India does not have special relations with Myanmar. If anything, Myanmar is heavily dependent on China, and India has failed to become a credible counterbalance, despite reinvigorating its “Act East” policy, which emphasizes economic connectivity to Southeast Asia via Myanmar.7 Regardless of these contextual differences, it is conventional wisdom that strategic rivalry with China drives India’s “Act East” policy, and territorial sensitivities inform its tactical response to crises such as Doklam. Especially vis-à-vis Myanmar, existing literature emphasizes competition with China as decisive in shaping India’s foreign policy.8 Though the role of domestic and bureaucratic politics is appreciated, these drivers are not considered critical..."
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Source/publisher: Asian Security
2018-12-05
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-10
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Topic: Belt And Road, India, Myanmar
Sub-title: China’s inroads in Myanmar through its Belt and Road Initiative are forcing India to rethink its connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Topic: Belt And Road, India, Myanmar
Description: "On January 17 and 18, China’s President Xi Jinping visited Myanmar, the first visit by a Chinese president to Myanmar in 19 years. Xi Jinping’s visit brought both the status of India-Myanmar and China-Myanmar relations to the forefront of public consciousness. During the visit, a number of agreements were signed between both the countries, among them were several infrastructure projects and the extension of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to Myanmar. China has proposed the construction of a China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the development of Myanmar’s deep sea port at Kyaukpyu. China’s strategic and economic expansion on India’s doorstep is a cause of concern for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BRI extension into Myanmar creates a strategic challenge for India which needs to be considered from three points of view – Myanmar as a part of India’s Act East Policy, challenges to land connectivity and the need to develop a maritime gateway..."
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Source/publisher: "ASEAN Today" (Singapore)
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-03
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Description: "Inland waterways have been accorded a central role in maritime development in India. The National Waterways Act 2016, has declared 111 rivers or river stretches, creeks, estuaries in India as National Waterways. Navigation in rivers, lakes and other water bodies by smaller vessels connecting places not far from each other has been around for centuries, and been the mainstay of our inland waterways. In a few cases, especially near ports and coastal areas, this has also evolved to large-scale, commercial shipping. The national waterways project now intends to create such large-scale, commercial shipping and navigation systems in all these 111 waterways. These are expected to realise the potential of cargo and passenger traffic, including tourism and cruise, offer seamless connectivity at lower per-unit cost and make transportation more efficient. The project, in its entire implementation and operation phase, would generate a series of forward and backward linkages with prospects to penetrate deep into the economy. The multiplier effect of the investment and its linkages can result in a virtuous cycle of all-round growth. This potential virtuous cycle, however, can well be interrupted if implementation of the network is not well coordinated. Besides, there are other challenges. The National Waterways Act mandates the Central Government to regulate these waterways for systematic and orderly development of shipping and navigation activities. Spread across the Eastern, Western, Southern and Central regions of the country, these waterways cover nearly 15000 kilometres across 24 states and two union territories. They include the country’s 138 river systems, creeks, estuaries and related canal systems, and can be utilised as a channel to move passengers and cargo within the country and to the neighbouring countries..."
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Source/publisher: "Observer Research Foundation (ORF)" (India)
2020-01-20
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-02
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Description: ""Paukphaw”, which literally means born together, implying not only a shared destiny but racial kinship, was reinforced through strong political and economic bonds between Myanmar and China last week. Xi Jinping became the first Chinese leader to visit Nay Pyi Taw on a hugely significant state visit ( January 17-18) since Jiang Zemin back in 2001. The event received not more than a modicum of interest here, but it could have a serious geopolitical impact on India. If India is concerned about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, it now has more reason to worry about CMEC (China-Myanmar Economic Corridor) that just moved from being a concept to reality. The CMEC is less about oil and gas — there are pipelines running through Myanmar already — and more about reducing dependence on the Malacca Straits and access to the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The CMEC includes the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in the troubled Rakhine state along with a special economic zone (SEZ), the China-Myanmar border economic zone (the two countries share a 2,200 km-long border) and the newly announced Yangon urban development project (which is still at MoU stage)..."
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Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-01-26
Date of entry/update: 2020-02-02
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Description: "China’s growing strategic ties with Myanmar, evident from Chinese General Secretary Xi Jinping’s recent sojourn to the administrative capital of Naypyidaw, are causing consternation in New Delhi. Not only is Beijing’s outreach to Myanmar challenging India’s Neighborhood First policy, which seeks vigorous engagement with Myanmar and other South Asian neighbors, it is also an attempt to gain a back door to the Indian Ocean, foreign policy analysts say, describing it as ominous for geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean, apart from the ramifications for the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to keep China’s regional ambitions in check. The US administration of President Donald Trump has simply ignored the country along with much of the rest of Asia after overtures by Barack Obama, who initiated diplomatic relations, suspended economic sanctions and laid on high-level visits in the wake of then-President Thein Sein’s attempt to build on the 2010 constitution with reforms and open the country to global investment. With Myanmar facing international sanctions over its near genocide against minority Rohingya Muslims and other countries backing away, China has stepped into the vacuum. Although Xi’s trip to Myanmar was described as a “goodwill visit” to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, pretty much like all things Chinese, there was a considerable agenda..."
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Source/publisher: "Asia Sentinel"
2020-01-28
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-30
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Description: "The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been a recurrent hostage to downturns in India-Pakistan relations, which has often led New Delhi to turn to subregional initiatives, as has been witnessed by the current prime minister’s invitation to the member countries of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to his swearing-in ceremony last year. BIMSTEC comprises five countries in South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka – and two in Southeast Asia, Myanmar and Thailand. Going by the past records, India’s approach to subregional initiatives has been marred by a lack of leadership, resources and institutionalization. For instance, it took 17 years for BIMSTEC to establish a permanent secretariat in Dhaka, in 2014. Similarly, the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM) remained a Track II initiative for India until 2013 despite the rhetoric as to the perceived importance of subregional groupings. However, India is poised to focus more on subregional initiatives considering that the possibility of a resurrection of SAARC seems remote. New Delhi’s endeavor in this direction, nonetheless, has met a powerful tide from the reverse direction in the shape of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)..."
Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2020-01-23
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-24
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Sub-title: For Delhi, the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor derails efforts to discredit the Belt and Road Initiative
Description: "The state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Myanmar on January 17-18, the first of its kind in 19 years, was a transformative event in regional politics from the perspective of China-Myanmar bilateral relations as well as regional security, something that should be of major concern for India. A “comprehensive strategic partnership” is moving toward building a “Myanmar-China community with a shared future based on the aims of mutual benefits, equality and win-win cooperation,” as the joint statement issued after Xi’s visit frames it. Xi said in his banquet speech in the capital Naypyidaw that the reason the “Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship between the two countries can last thousands of years” is that they have “stood together through thick and thin, and adhered to mutual respect and mutual benefit.” He urged the two countries to be “good neighbors like passengers on the same boat” and create a more favorable environment for their economic and social development..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Asia Times" (Hong Kong)
2020-01-24
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-24
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Description: "The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Myanmar on January 17-18 marks the return of China to a position of dominance in a country which has traditionally been wary of its powerful northern neighbour. From 1990 to 2010, China had taken full advantage of the international isolation of Myanmar and its interethnic conflicts to emerge as the most important influence in the country. Since overturning the results of the elections which were won by the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its charismatic leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the military junta which captured power, which it is still loathe to give up, had used China as its political shield. China, which had kept governments in Yangon off-balance by providing weapons and sanctuaries to ethnic groups inhabiting the border regions, provided relief by promoting ceasefire or arms for peace agreements with the military junta, in exchange for local autonomy. For a now fast-growing China in need of resources, raw material and markets, political influence translated quickly into preferential trade access and opportunities for the exploitation of Myanmar’s virtually untapped resources. These included minerals, timber and agricultural products. China was also the main supplier of weapons to the military. Chinese penetration into Myanmar was secured through the building of major highways linking southern China with Myanmar. Border trade was promoted through several border trade points. In ethnic areas adjacent to China, regional autonomy was leveraged to establish close trade and economic relations over which the central government had tenuous control. Chinese investment in these ethnic areas led to their being more integrated with southern China than with the rest of Myanmar..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2020-01-24
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-24
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: The pacts were signed during president Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to Myanmar, a first by a Chinese president in almost two decades...This will give a significant push to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to which Myanmar had signed onto in 2018 amid lack of investments from western countries.
Description: "China and Myanmar, over the weekend, signed 33 bilateral agreements that are expected to strengthen ties between India’s eastern neighbor and Beijing. The accords include those to construct a rail link and a deep-sea port – part of a China-Myanmar-Economic Corridor – that runs from China’s south-western region to the Bay of Bengal. This will give a significant push to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative to which Myanmar had signed onto in 2018 amid lack of investments from western countries. The pacts were signed during president Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to Myanmar, a first by a Chinese president in almost two decades. Xi’s visit to Myanmar was also his first abroad in the 2020 calendar year. The pacts were signed against the backdrop of Myanmar State Councilor Aung San Suu Kyi coming under increasing pressure from Western countries over its crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. A Myanmar military campaign in 2017-18 caused some 730,000 Rohingyas from Rakhine state to flee to Bangladesh. In December, Nobel Laureate Suu Kyi defended her country’s human rights record vis a vis the Rohingyas at a hearing at the Hague-based International Court of Justice and a ruling in expected this month..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "livemint" (New Delhi)
2020-01-20
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-20
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: Act East, Arakan Army, ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, Bimstec, Buddhist, China, Defense, Hindu, India, India-Myanmar relations, India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, Infrastructure, interconnectivity, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport, KMMTT, Military, Muslim, Neighborhood First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Rohingya, Security, Tourism
Topic: Act East, Arakan Army, ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, Bimstec, Buddhist, China, Defense, Hindu, India, India-Myanmar relations, India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, Infrastructure, interconnectivity, Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport, KMMTT, Military, Muslim, Neighborhood First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Rohingya, Security, Tourism
Description: "As one of only two Southeast Asian countries invited to attend the swearing-in of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he won re-election in May 2019, Myanmar’s relations with India have been thrust into the spotlight. Here’s why Naypyitaw should matter to Delhi in 2020. For a start, Myanmar is an important member of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), a minilateral subregional organization that is committed to fostering bilateral or regional cooperation among Bay of Bengal countries. As the members of BIMSTEC were invited by Modi to his second inauguration, he will be looking to prioritize this body in his second term, which will include greater engagement with Myanmar. Myanmar is geopolitically significant to India as it stands at the center of the India-Southeast Asia region. Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country that shares a land border with northeastern India, stretching some 1,624 kilometers. The neighbors also share a 725-km maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal..."
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Source/publisher: "The Irrawaddy" (Thailand)
2020-01-11
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-13
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co (CREEC) recently launched a survey for the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway line, part of the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, EThas learnt from people familiar with the developments.
Description: "A proposed railway line from Kunming in China to two ports in Myanmar — close to the India-funded Sittwe port — is being closely watched by India amid the Centre’s plans to connect corridors in the Bay of Bengal region as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy. China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co (CREEC) recently launched a survey for the Muse-Mandalay-Kyaukphyu railway line, part of the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC) and the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, EThas learnt from people familiar with the developments. In October, Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project, expected to be one of the largest road-and-railway projects in the Southeast Asian country that shares both a land and maritime boundary with India. The project involves building a high-speed railway line from Kunming to Muse on the Myanmar-China border and from there on to Mandalay, terminating in Kyaukphyu port in Rakhine province. A railway line from the same corridor will branch out to Yangon port, one of the people told ET. China is said to view the project to connect the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone and the deep water port in Myanmar as something that would benefit both countries under the larger CMEC umbrella. Local politicians say the project could turn out to be a second ‘Hambantota’ and China could take over the ports in future if Myanmar does not earn sufficient revenue from it..."
Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2019-12-26
Date of entry/update: 2020-01-05
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Description: "In a big boost to bilateral defence cooperation, Myanmar is set to soon commission its first-ever submarine after it is formally handed over by India.The impending transfer of the Russian-origin INS Sindhuvir is part of India’s continuing policy to counter China’s strategic inroads into Myanmar. The 3,000-tonne INS Sindhuvir may be 31 years old but it has undergone regular refits in India and Russiak being undertaken on the diesel-electric boat at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam..."
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Source/publisher: "The Times of India" (Oslo)
2019-12-09
Date of entry/update: 2019-12-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: Myanmar Permanent Secretary Han reaffirmed the high priority his government attaches to relations with India
Description: "India and Myanmar reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including bilateral trade relations and border cooperation on Friday. The 18th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Myanmar was held in New Delhi with the Indian delegation led by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and the Myanmarese delegation by Permanent Secretary U Soe Han. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, the status of India's ongoing projects in Myanmar, capacity building initiatives, bilateral trade relations, border cooperation and plans to enhance implementation of bilateral agreements, a Ministry of External Affairs statement said. Foreign Secretary Gokhale reiterated the priority India attaches to its partnership with Myanmar, a neighbour and an ASEAN partner which is at the intersection of India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies. Myanmar Permanent Secretary Han reaffirmed the high priority his government attaches to relations with India, which were based on historic and civilizational contact, the statement said..."
Source/publisher: "Business Standard" (New Delhi)
2019-12-07
Date of entry/update: 2019-12-07
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Sub-title: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone will set up its first container terminal outside India in Myanmar at an estimated cost of USD 290 million (over Rs 2,000 crore).
Description: "Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone will set up its first container terminal outside India in Myanmar at an estimated cost of USD 290 million (over Rs 2,000 crore). The company signed an agreement Thursday to develop and operate a container terminal at Yangon Port in Myanmar. Construction for phase one of the project will commence next month and will be completed by June 2021. It is a two-phase project. "Total project cost for both phases would be USD 275-290 million. The investment is in line with APSEZ strategy to have a footprint in Southeast Asia and expand the container terminal network," Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) said in a statement. Also, the terminal will be integrated with APSEZ ports/terminals along the east and south coast of India, unlocking synergies by offering multiple entry/exit points for shipping lines, APSEZ, the logistics arm of Adani Group, said..."
Source/publisher: "Business Today" (India)
2019-05-23
Date of entry/update: 2019-12-01
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Myanmar is reportedly planning to open fresh bids for its oil and gas blocks to international companies. In the last few years, the Myanmar government has taken concrete steps to restructure its energy sector and has identified natural gas as an important component of its energy master plan. This is a welcome development for India, which has substantial experience of operating in Myanmar’s energy sector. Besides, both India and Myanmar are keen to expand the scope of cooperation in the realm of energy sector. Earlier, though India could not secure the deal to build a gas pipeline from Myanmar to India’s eastern region, India has continued to remain engaged with the energy sector of its eastern neighbour. For instance, India has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in the China-Myanmar gas pipeline. The indication of possible bidding rounds for energy blocks this year can provide an opportunity for India to leverage its experience of having operated in Myanmar for more than a decade. India now has a good understanding of the political economy of energy development and the nuances of decision making in Myanmar. But having said that, India must be careful and not underestimate the regional complications that might impact India-Myanmar energy relations. The issue of Rohingya refugees has historically existed between Bangladesh and Myanmar, but the magnitude of the problem has substantially increased in recent years. Also, the possibility of gas trade between India and Myanmar would be contingent upon the “availability of surplus energy” with the latter, as argued by ORF researchers Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury and Pratnashree Basu in their research paper..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Observer Research Foundation (ORF)" (India)
2019-01-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-30
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said that the India-Myanmar-Thailand connectivity will boost development in the entire Southeast Asian region. Addressing the Indian diaspora at 'Sawasdee PM Modi' event in Bangkok, Thailand, the prime minister said that his government wants to bring both nations closer by transforming India's northeast region into a gateway to Southeast Asia. "Once the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway is opened, there will be seamless connectivity between both our countries. I am glad that all of you will have a chance to be part of this story," he said at the event held to interact with Indian diaspora.ASEAN leaders meet under US-China trade war tensions "India and Thailand are connected through emotions," quoted PM Modi at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, who is on an official trip to Thailand to attend the 16th ASEAN-India summit on Sunday. "History has united us and has developed our relations," he added..."
Source/publisher: "Business Today" (India)
2019-11-04
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-28
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Description: "In the wake of the overheated onion market triggered by an Indian export ban, the import of onion from Myanmar has risen significantly with 11,732 tonnes entering the country through Teknaf in November till Saturday, Bangladesh’s The Independent reported. On average, 733.25 tonnes of onion were imported every day through the port in the current month, said Absar Uddin, customs revenue officer at the port. He said a total of 20,843 tonnes of onion entered the country in October with 672.35 tonnes on average every day. Md Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, manager of the port was quoted as saying importers are bringing in Burmese variety of the cooking ingredient every day..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2019-11-18
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-18
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Description: "We reiterated our intention to work towards the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project and its extension to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam, said a source from the statement of the 16th ASEAN-India Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The Trilateral Highway project includes three new major bridges, repair and strengthening of four existing major bridges, two new minor bridges, reconstruction of six existing minor bridges, repair and strengthening of nine existing minor bridges, reconstruction of 226 existing culverts, 20 bus bays and passenger shelters besides one rest area, according to the statement. We emphasized the need to enhance ASEAN-India collaborative efforts in countering terrorism, radicalization, violent extremism, and transnational crimes, and the need to strengthen cooperation on cyber security through supporting the implementation of the ASEAN Cyber security Cooperation Strategy and the ARF Work Plan on Security of and in the Use of Information and Communication Technologies. We underscored the importance of further strengthening trade and investment between ASEAN and India in order to achieve the trade target of 200 billion USD by 2022.We reaffirmed that the full and effective utilisation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) will not only contribute to the realisation of our 2022 trade target but also to the promotion of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We noted the decision of our Economic Ministers in September 2019 to initiate the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to make it more user-friendly, simple, and trade facilitative for businesses, and constitute a Joint Committee for this purpose. ASEAN Leaders welcomed the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations and the commitment to sign the RCEP Agreement in 2020..."
Source/publisher: "Eleven Media Group" (Myanmar)
2019-11-05
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-15
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Sub-title: India bought more black gram beans, known locally as black matpe, from Myanmar in October, an industry official revealed yesterday.
Description: "India, which imposed a quota system for pulse crops from Myanmar in March this year, continued buying local black gram after the quota was met last month said U Min Ko Oo, secretary of the Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association. According to U Min Ko Oo, three companies received permission from the Indian government to continue buying the crop from Myanmar, pushing up prices locally. In the first week of October, the price of black gram was around K80,000 per tonne, but now it is up to about K1.3 million per tonne, he added. “Indian companies are buying black gram again because, reportedly, the crop in India was poorer than expected. They have been buying 3000 to 4000 tonnes a week from Myanmar since the third week of October,” said U Min Ko Oo. “They already bought a lot of black gram from Myanmar under the quota system at lower prices, but now they are continuing to buy at higher prices,” said U Kyaw Twin, a bean merchant based in Mandalay. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation, some 77 percent of Myanmar’s annual pulse crop is exported to India..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2019-11-11
Date of entry/update: 2019-11-11
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Myanmar has planned to build a new Manipur River Crossing Bridge in Chin state on the main border trade route with India, according to the Road Transportation Ministry of Chin State Wednesday. Scheduled to start in December this year, the new river-crossing bridge, also known as the Mansaung Bridge, will be built near Tiddim and Reed border towns adjacent to the existing suspension bridge. The 557-feet-long and 30-feet wide Mansaung bridge will be a concrete one with two lanes. The project is expected to be completed in three years, said U Shwe Htee Ooe, minister of road transportation of Chin state. The existing suspension bridge was damaged by a natural disaster in 2015 and allowed only 16 tons of vehicles to cross the bridge, causing transportation difficulties, especially during the rainy season..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China)
2019-10-30
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-30
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Description: "India’s ambassador for Myanmar, Shri Saurabh Kumar, exuded confidence on ‘enhancing bilateral relations between both the countries to new heights’ as the deeper engagements of recent years between both the countries has already started yielding results. Addressing a gathering at Myanmar’s premier foreign policy think tank, Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies, (MISIS) on Tuesday, the Ambassador pointed out, “ In the coming years, with India’s ambitious ‘Act East’ foreign policy, there is going to be a qualitative enhancement of relations between India and Myanmar. This would be realized not only through government to government efforts, but also through a sustained people’s awareness, promotion of investment and partnerships with the private sector, businesses and people; both countries need to work together and learn about each other. Delivering an invited talk to the august gathering of policy analysts, former diplomats and faculty of MISIS, Shri Saurabh Kumar provided an exhaustive presentation on the contemporary situation on relations between both the countries, issues and challenges and the future perspective..."
Source/publisher: "Mizzima" (Myanmar)
2019-09-05
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-29
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Description: "New Delhi: India and Myanmar on Monday signed a defence co-operation agreement providing for boosting military engagement between the two countries. The pact was inked after Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held extensive talks with Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik. Hlaing, accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Myanmar Defence Services, also met Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh. Officials said the talks were aimed at enhancing the overall defence co-operation, including strengthening training being provided to Myanmar defence personnel by India..."
Source/publisher: "The Economic Times" (India)
2019-07-29
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-22
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Description: .The potential for Myanmar to become a trade hub is good because of its location between two rapidly developing countries with large populations U Phyo Min Thein said during a dinner to mark the foundation of the Myanmar-India-China Friendship and Development Association and signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding among Chinese traders, the India-Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and 10 local business associations on September 27 “For various reasons, Myanmar is less developed, but there is a possibility that the country can achieve progress along with peace, if it cooperates with more developed neighbouring countries,” said U Phyo Min Thein. Myanmar needs to promote the scope of cooperation in various sectors with neighbouring countries so that it can work towards peace, development and democratic nation, he added. “The close friendship with China will further develope into a strategic cooperation, and there are also favorable conditions to build enduring relations with India to create a border trade zone between the two countries,” he said. “As the first step toward this, the Myanmar-India-China Friendship and Development Association will promote economic cooperation between China and India in construction and steel manufacturing,” said U Zaw Zaw Naing, vice chair of the association.
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Myanmar Times" (Myanmar)
2019-10-01
Date of entry/update: 2019-10-05
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "Border trade between Myanmar and India hit 194.6 million U.S. dollars as of Sept. 13 in the current fiscal year 2018-19 ending September, said a statistical report of Myanmar's Commerce Ministry Friday. The border trade during the period increased by 57 million U.S. dollars compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year. The Myanmar-India total border trade during the period was shared by Myanmar's export of 171.3 million U.S. dollars and its import of 23.3 million U.S. dollars. The two countries carry out border trade mainly through Tamu, Reed and Thantlang cross-border trade camps, while a major part of bilateral trade are delivered through ships. Myanmar mainly exports to India fruits and vegetable, fishery and forestry products, while importing from India medicines, electronic products, motorbikes, cotton yarn, non-alloy steel and other construction materials. Meanwhile, Myanmar's border trade with four neighboring countries, China, India, Thailand and Bangladesh totalled 9.6 billion U.S. dollars, shared by 6.7 billion U.S. dollars in export and 2.9 million U.S. dollars in import..."
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Source/publisher: "Xinhua" (China)
2019-09-27
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-27
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Topic: China, Myitsone Dam,India, foreign investment, international relations, conflict
Sub-title: If China and India seek sustainable development in Myanmar, they should engage more locally and listen to the voices of affected communities. For China, this starts with the Myitsone Dam.
Topic: China, Myitsone Dam,India, foreign investment, international relations, conflict
Description: "MYANMAR HAS two major assets that interest China: access to the Indian Ocean and plentiful natural resources. During the rule of Myanmar’s military junta, 1988-2011, China won access to both by protecting the regime from the impact of sanctions and condemnation by Western countries. Under President U Thein Sein’s transitional, military-backed government, beginning in 2011, Myanmar moved closer to Western powers, seeking to lessen the country’s dependence on its giant neighbour to the north. Many observers assumed that, under a National League for Democracy-led, semi-civilian government, the pivot away from China would continue . However, since 2016, when the NLD took office, China has increased its influence in Myanmar, in large part because of the country’s renewed isolation over the Rohingya crisis. In Kachin State, which borders China to the north and east, the consequences of this shift are profound. China has had direct access to the Indian Ocean since 2013, when a gas pipeline that spans Myanmar became operational. The 2,520-kilometre pipeline starts from Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State on Myanmar’s western coast, enters China from Shan State at Ruili in Yunnan Province and ends at Guigang in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A parallel crude oil pipeline that stops at Kunming began operating in 2017. As well as their economic value, these projects give China long-term leverage over Myanmar. Since 2017, the government has come under renewed international pressure over the widespread and systematic abuses perpetrated by the Tatmadaw against the Rohingya population in northern Rakhine State. More than 700,000 civilians fled across the border to Bangladesh, which is now home to more than a million Rohingya refugees. Through its veto powers at the United Nations Security Council, China has protected Myanmar by blocking moves to penalise the government. While there have been many losers in the Rohingya crisis, China has been a clear winner. The Tatmadaw has also done well out of it; the NLD-led civilian government, much less so..."
Creator/author:
Source/publisher: "Frontier Myanmar"
2019-03-01
Date of entry/update: 2019-09-09
Grouping: Individual Documents
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Description: "U Soe Htet, a minister of municipalities and spoke person of Chin State, told to media the construction of comprehensive project of Kalardan Port which became the main route of economic and military of India and China and with regard to the project, the activities of AA had been supported by both countries at the news conference. U soe Htet said “We have already conducted field trips over the East - Looked policies of India. The project has been turning into elven years. The field trip has been conducted after Aung San Su Kyi has met the prime minister of India. Geographically Chinese depending on voyage uses Kyauk Phyu deep-sea port project and India uses Sittwe and Paletwa deep-sea port project. Frankly speaking, both economic and military of the two-big countries were located on the route. The territory was not stable due to the military activities of AA. These activities also were interrelated with the support of the two big countries”. Military activities of AA delayed bridge and road projects. Despise challenges, the projects were expected to implement as soon as possible to be convenience for trading..."
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Source/publisher: "BNI Multimedia Group"
2019-08-24
Date of entry/update: 2019-08-26
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Sub-title: The construction of Sittwe's sea-port and the inland water terminal in Paletwa has been completed, the Indian embassy said in a July 9 statement in Yangon.
Description: "The sea-port and water terminal forms part of the US$484 million Kaladan multi-modal transit transport project that would link Kolkata in India to Sittwe in Rakhine State and then link Sittwe via a river route to Paletwa in Chin State and from Paletwa by road to Zorinpui in India's northeastern state of Mizoram. The Indian government has also invited companies keen to operate and maintain the sea-port and water terminal. The road portion of the project from Paletwa to Zorinpui is still under construction with its completion to help support the growth of bilateral trade between Myanmar and India. The project was first mooted in 2008 when both countries signed an agreement to connect the Kolkata and Sittwe sea-ports..."
Source/publisher: Myanmar Water Portal via "Mizzima"
2019-07-12
Date of entry/update: 2019-07-25
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Description: "While the West moves to re-isolate Myanmar after a short period of re-engagement, neighboring India is taking a more realpolitik approach to reports of massive rights abuses by the nation’s security forces. Indeed, India is doing its utmost to improve relations while the United States and European Union impose new sanctions aimed specifically at Myanmar’s military, including top soldiers involved in the abuses. It is by now evident that Myanmar’s treatment of its Muslim Rohingya population and crackdown on the media — major concerns in the West — will be subordinated to New Delhi’s broader policy aims for Myanmar and the wider region..."
Creator/author: Bertil Lintner
Source/publisher: "Asia Times"
2018-10-31
Date of entry/update: 2018-11-30
Grouping: Individual Documents
Language: English
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