‘Work paused on Asian Highway due to Myanmar situation’: S Jaishankar

The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral (IMTT) Highway is expected to be a game changer in India’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, its progress has been hampered by internal strife in Myanmar, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati.

Speaking at a session on ‘Act East, Act Fast and Act First,’  Jaishankar highlighted India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, emphasizing its success in strengthening ties with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. He also recalled how India shipped vaccines to its neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The situation in Myanmar has paused the IMTT Highway project… We cannot allow this [Myanmar unrest] to block something so momentous. Practical solutions will have to be found to ensure the advancement of this initiative,” he stated.

The 1,400-km-long highway, which will connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar, aims to boost trade, business, healthcare, education, and tourism between the three countries. As of July 2023, approximately 70% of the construction had been completed.

However, multiple delays have plagued the project, with no clear timeline for completion. The government had initially planned to operationalize the highway by December 2019.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to regional connectivity under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. “We have seen new roads, checkpoints, rail links, waterways, power grids, fuel pipelines, and transport facilities. There is much more to come in the years ahead,” he said.

He acknowledged that while some focus only on obstacles, regional growth ultimately requires full cooperation. Japan and South Korea have emerged as key economic partners in India, with Japan prioritizing development projects in the Northeast, particularly in mobility and education.

Additionally, ASEAN members, including Malaysia and Thailand, have eased visa policies for Indians, while air connectivity, education, and skill development present further opportunities for collaboration.

(With inputs from agencies)

MT