Countering Chinese aggression, first cargo vessel to India-funded Myanmar port flagged off
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New Delhi, May 5: In a huge boost to India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and a significant development in regional connectivity, the central government flagged off an inaugural shipment, MV-ITT LION (V-273), from Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata to operationalise the Sittwe Port in Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur flagged off MV-ITT LION (V-273) carrying 20,000 bags containing 1,000 metric tonnes of cement that will reach Sittwe Port on May 9.
SShantanu Thakur said, "The Kaladan Project is a live example of the co-operation and commitments between India and Myanmar. The start of operation of Sittwe port will pave a new avenue for Sittwe to become a maritime hub for Myanmar and enhance the regional connectivity; This strategic and important route will further enhance trade, commerce and economic ties with Myanmar, our North-Eastern States and South Asian Countries."
Shri @Shantanu_bjp will flag-off 1st shipment from Kolkata port to Sittwe Port. This port has been developed under Kaladan Multimodal Project under grant assistance from GoI. This will enhance connectivity between eastern & NE states of India & boost trade between India & Myanmar pic.twitter.com/uxwEa5Lem9
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) May 4, 2023
Sittwe Port has been developed under a framework agreement between India and Myanmar for the construction and operation of a Multimodal Transit Transport Facility on Kaladan river connecting the Sittwe port in Myanmar with the state of Mizoram in India. The port connects to Paletwa in Myanmar through an inland waterway and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component. Once fully operationalised, KMTTP will provide alternate connectivity from Eastern coast of India to the North-eastern states through the Sittwe port.
The Port will open up new opportunities for trade and transit from and to Myanmar, particularly the Rakhine State and further enhance trade and commerce between the two countries and the wider region.
This ambitious infrastructural project is a major development too enhance ties with Southeast Asian countries for India and will play a significant role in countering the growing influence of China in the neighbourhood region.