External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has categorically maintained that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral (IMTT) Highway, a key component of India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), remains stalled due to 'internal turmoil' in Myanmar.
Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of the project for regional connectivity but acknowledged the challenges posed by Myanmar’s situation.
“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 said.
The 1,400-km highway, linking Moreh in Manipur with Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar, is considered a game-changer in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Act East initiatives.
Designed to enhance trade, business, education, healthcare, and tourism among the three nations, the project has already seen substantial progress, with at least 70 per cent of construction completed by July 2023.
No revised timeline has been announced for the completion of the strategic highway, which has faced multiple delays. The initial target for operationalisation was December 2019.
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Jaishankar highlighted India's strengthening ties with ASEAN and its neighbouring nations, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
Citing India's pandemic response as an example, he noted the supply of vaccines to neighbouring countries as a testament to India’s commitment.
“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,” Jaishankar stated, adding that regional growth depends on comprehensive cooperation.
Japan and South Korea have emerged as significant economic players in the region, he said. Japan, in particular, has prioritised development projects in India’s northeastern states, focusing on mobility and educational exchanges.
Malaysia and Thailand have eased visa regulations for Indians, while other ASEAN members have expanded air connectivity. “Education and skill development can be domains for future cooperation as well,” he added.
Despite challenges, India remains committed to its connectivity projects in Southeast Asia. However, with Myanmar’s ongoing political crisis stalling the trilateral highway, the search for alternative solutions remains imperative.
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