Officials from Myanmar and India discussed the prospects of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project under the bilateral agreement.
The junta's Deputy Foreign Minister U Lwin Oo met with Indian Consul General Bibekananda Bhattamishra in Naypyidaw on July 10. Bhattamishra is returning to India after completing his tenure at the consulate in Sittwe Township.
During the meeting, officials discussed cooperation between the two countries for the Kaladan River Project and the comprehensive development process of Arakan (Rakhine) State, as stated by the Junta.
However, apart from Sittwe, towns along the Kaladan River are already under the control of the Arakha Army (AA), making it nearly impossible for the junta to lead and implement the project, residents suggested.
"The project area spans from Paletwa to Sittwe. However, apart from Sittwe, the entire region is under the control of AA. This means that India will inevitably have to negotiate with AA to continue the project. Despite discussions with the junta due to diplomatic norms, it is no longer feasible to cooperate with the junta on Indian projects in Arakan State”, said Ko Tun Tin, a Kyauktaw resident.
In June, Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar urged the junta's Foreign Minister U Than Swe to ensure the effective protection of Indian projects invested in Myanmar.
The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, with an investment of around 500 USD, was initiated to foster friendship between the two countries. India began the bidding process for the project in 2002, and an agreement between India and Myanmar was signed in 2008.
The project focuses on the construction of transport and communication infrastructure and is intended to connect sea routes and land routes between Myanmar and India, bypassing the Bangladesh border.
The route section in Myanmar starts in Paletwa Township in Chin State, passes through Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun in Arakan State, and ends in Sittwe. Ports have now been built in both Sittwe and Paletwa.
Once all project components, including roads and bridges, are completed, Mizoram will be connected by land to Paletwa and then by waterway to Sittwe along the Kaladan River. The Indian government aims to connect eastern regions of India via a sea route through the Bay of Bengal, starting the journey from Sittwe port.
