Episode: KPN 18-01-2025 

Indian Ambassador visits Sittwe to review Kaladan project

Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, conducted a review of the Kaladan Project operations at Sittwe Port in Myanmar’s Rakhine province on January 16-17. The port is a key part of the India-assisted Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Corridor (KMMTTC) Project, as highlighted in an official press release from the Indian Embassy in Myanmar.

Accompanied by officials from the Indian Embassy in Yangon, the Consulate General in Sittwe, and India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), Ambassador Thakur also engaged with local leadership to discuss bilateral development efforts and community-oriented programs.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy stated, “Ambassador Abhay Thakur visited Sittwe Port of Kaladan Project, accompanied by MD IPGL, yesterday, to review ongoing operations. He met CM Rakhine U Htein Lin to discuss local community support program and future growth in connectivity. Also met PIOs and visited Consulate General of India in Sittwe, Myanmar’s premises.”

During the visit, the Ambassador conducted a detailed review of Sittwe Port, which has handled over 150 vessels since its inauguration in May 2023. These vessels have transported a wide range of cargo, including food, agricultural goods, medicines, fuel, vehicles, and construction materials.

Ambassador Thakur highlighted the port’s strategic importance as an “India-Myanmar Friendship Project,” emphasising its role in enhancing coastal, regional, and international connectivity, as well as travel and tourism.

In a meeting with the Chief Minister of Rakhine State, U Htein Lin, the Ambassador discussed bilateral development cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and humanitarian projects under the Rakhine State Development Program. Both parties stressed the need for development efforts to align with local priorities, ensuring they benefit the people of Rakhine. Ambassador Thakur also underlined the critical importance of an “early return to peace and stability,” which is essential to fully realise the potential of the Kaladan Project.

Additionally, the Ambassador visited the Sri Sri Moha Dev Bari Temple, where he interacted with members of the Indian-origin community. He discussed consular services and initiatives aimed at strengthening their ties with India. Concluding his visit, Ambassador Thakur inspected the premises of the Consulate General of India in Sittwe, reaffirming India’s commitment to fostering cultural linkages and people-to-people connections with Myanmar.

Tagged as: Rathedaung,  ARSA,  Rohingya,  war crimes,  Rohingya Refugee,  Camp schools,  Akyab,  Rohingya refugee camp,  community schools,  APBn,  RRRC,  foods shortage,  Balukhali,  Sittwe,  hungers,  Bangadesh refugee camp,  Teknaf,  ration cut,  BGP,  Burma-Bangladesh border,  Arakan,  RSO,  Buthidaung,  BGB,  Burma,  Malaysia going boat,  IDP camp in Arakan,  Arakan Army,  Myanmar,  Military navy,  Kutupalong,  Cox's Bazar,  Rohingya boat people,  Maungdaw,  Military Council force,  Rakhine,  IIMM.