India has secured the right to operate its second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar, following the successful establishment of the Chabahar Port in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has given the green light to a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire port situated on the Kaladan River.
India has secured the right to operate its second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar, following the successful establishment of the Chabahar Port in Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has given the green signal to a proposal for India Ports Global (IPGL) to take over the operations of the entire port situated on the Kaladan River.
Sittwe Port plays a crucial role in the Kaladan multi-modal transit project, which aims to enhance regional connectivity. Here are the key strategic advantages of this port:
Alternative Shipping Route: By connecting the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with the Sittwe seaport in Myanmar via sea, the Kaladan project provides an alternative route for shipping goods to India’s northeastern states. This diversification is essential for robust trade and economic growth.
Cost and Distance Reduction: The Sittwe Port significantly reduces the cost and distance between Kolkata and Mizoram. Streamlining transportation facilitates the efficient movement of goods, benefiting both nations.
Siliguri Corridor Dependence: The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a narrow strip of land squeezed between Bhutan and Bangladesh. It is the primary land route connecting mainland India to the northeastern states. The Sittwe Port’s operation reduces India’s dependency on this vulnerable corridor, enhancing regional security and stability.
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India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a joint venture between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) and Deendayal Port Trust (Erstwhile Kandla Port Trust), will oversee the operations at Sittwe Port. Unlike the Chabahar Port, where India controls only two terminals, India enjoys complete control over the Sittwe Port.
Last year, in May, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Tin Aung San jointly inaugurated the Sittwe Port, marking a significant milestone in India-Myanmar relations. This strategic endeavor promises to strengthen economic ties, foster regional development, and enhance maritime connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.
I am Bushra Tahir. Doing BS in International Relations from National University Of Modern Languages ( NUML).
