Context:
- Recently India and Myanmar signed the MoU for the appointment of a private Port Operator for the operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Terminal.
- These associated facilities are the part of the Kaladan Multi-Model Transit Transport Project.
- It will boost connectivity and help in creating local job opportunities and also help to develop a common interest, including developments in the strife-torn Rakhine state.
- The Sittwe port in Myanmar will connect India’s landlocked north-east region to the Bay of Bengal through Mizoram.
- It will also provide an alternate route to Kolkata.
About the MOU
- This MoU help India in the implementation of India’s Act East Policy.
- Myanmar is one of India’s strategic neighbors and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
- It will also help to enhance Myanmar’s connectivity including with India and add to the development of the whole region, particularly in the Rakhine and Chin States of Myanmar.
About Kaladan Multi Transit Transport project:
- The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a project that will connect the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea.
- In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa, Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route, and then from Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India.
Source:IE