India, Myanmar, Thailand discuss progress of trilateral highway project, border peace

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held discussions with his Myanmar counterpart Than Swe concerning the acceleration of projects, particularly the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, and emphasised the need to maintain peace and stability in border areas. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) meeting. Jaishankar, who arrived in Thailand from Indonesia, also met Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai.
In his tweet following the meeting, Jaishankar noted the focus on connectivity initiatives that bear regional significance, especially the trilateral highway project that has faced recent challenges. He previously described the project as “very difficult” due to the situation in Myanmar and expressed the government’s commitment to its resumption.
The 1,400-km highway project, which aims to connect India with Southeast Asia by land to enhance trade, business, education, and tourism, is 70% complete. The strategic initiative, designed to connect Moreh in Manipur with Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar, has faced delays, with its operational target of December 2019 missed.
In his discussion with Than Swe, Jaishankar emphasised the need for peace and stability in the border areas, discouraged actions aggravating the situation, and raised concerns about human and drug trafficking. He called for stronger cooperation for the early return of trafficked victims. The Indian minister expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Myanmar and proposed people-centric initiatives to address urgent challenges. He stated, “India supports the democratic transition process in Myanmar and highlights the need for return of peace and stability”.