India to Link the Northeast and Kolkata via Myanmar

Context

India’s decision to establish a direct link between the Northeast and Kolkata through Myanmar, bypassing Bangladesh, marks a strategic shift in local connectivity. 

Key Highlights 

• India shares a 1,643 km land border with Myanmar, connecting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• Myanmar serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, making it important for trade and connectivity.

Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)

• • It aims to hyperlink Kolkata to Mizoram through Sittwe Port (Myanmar) and Paletwa inland waterways.
  • It permits multimodal cargo glides (sea, river, road).
  • It reduces distance and time as compared to the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ hall (Siliguri).
  • It connects with India’s East-West business hall plans.

• Phases:

• • Kolkata to Sittwe (Sea) – 539 km (Completed)
  • Sittwe to Paletwa (River) – 158 km (Completed)
  • Paletwa to Zorinpui (Road) – 108 km (Partially completed, behind schedule because of armed warfare in Rakhine State).
  • Zorinpui to Aizawl & Shillong (Road Extension): Underway via the Shillong-Silchar-Zorinpui corridor, permitted by MoRTH.

Why is the Northeast-Kolkata Link via Myanmar significant?

• • Shift in Connectivity Strategy: Historically, the Northeast has depended on Bangladesh for transit access to Kolkata and different elements of India.
    • India has invested in major connectivity projects just like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (expected to be completed by 2030).
    • These projects aim to reinforce trade, tourism, and regional integration between India and ASEAN countries.
  • Geopolitical Considerations: The decision to bypass Bangladesh comes after Bangladesh’s interim government observation related to Northeast India as ‘landlocked’ and dependent on Dhaka for ocean access.
    • India’s reaction was to reinforce opportunity routes, ensuring trade independence.

• Economic and Strategic Benefits:

• • • Reduced Dependency on Bangladesh: The new path eliminates transit cost and bureaucratic hurdles associated with Bangladesh.
    • Boost to Northeast’s Economy: Improved connectivity will decorate change, tourism, and industrial growth in the region.
    • Strengthening India’s Act East Policy: The Myanmar route aligns with India’s broader method to deepen ties with Southeast Asia.

• Security Implications:

• • India’s investments in Myanmar infrastructure additionally assist counter Chinese influence.
  • Presence in western Myanmar contributes to border stability, specifically in coflict-inclined Chin and Rakhine regions.

Challenges with Myanmar Route

• Insurgency threats (e.g., Arakan Army operations).
• Slow production progress due to terrain and security issues.
• Chinese infrastructure opposition within the same region (Kyaukpyu port, CMEC).

Curbing Bangladeshi Exports through Land Ports

• Ban on Ready-Made Garments through Land Ports: India has barred Bangladeshi ready-made clothes from getting into through land ports in Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
  • These goods should now be shipped via Kolkata and Mumbai sea ports, in which they may go through mandated inspections.
• Retaliation Against Bangladesh’s Restrictions: Bangladesh had earlier stopped Indian yarn exports through land ports, permitting imports only through sea routes.
  • India’s response targets to counterbalance trade regulations that disadvantage Indian exporters.
• Impact on Trade & Economy: Around 93% of Bangladesh’s garment exports to India formerly exceeded via land ports.
  • The new restrictions will in all likely increase costs for Bangladeshi exporters and shift trade dynamics in the region.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders, including the Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

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