India-funded projects in Myanmar include the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway
India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval engaged with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung in a meeting held in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday (April 24, 2024) and discussed the security situation in the country that has been roiled by civil war over the past few years. NSA Doval also talked about the status of India-funded development projects in Myanmar.
 
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters, amidst escalating tensions and the impact of Myanmar's civil war on border regions and ongoing projects.
 
“On the sidelines of the XII International Meeting of High Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in St Petersburg, NSA Shri Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Admiral Moe Aung and talked about the current situation in Myanmar and India-funded infrastructure projects in Myanmar,” the Indian Embassy in Russia posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
 
They also discussed recent developments along the India-Myanmar border, including issues related to security, refugees, and development projects, the Indian Embassy added.
 
The NSA-level talks came weeks after India's decision to relocate staff from its consulate in Sittwe, Rakhine State, due to increasing security concerns, and transferring its operations back to Yangon. This move underscored the growing instability in the region following intensified clashes between Myanmar's ruling military junta and various rebel groups, which have now begun to affect the neighbouring countries, including India.
 
On February 6, 2024, India had issued an advisory for Indian nationals travelling to or based in Rakhine state, Myanmar.
 
“In view of the deteriorating security situation, disruption of means of telecommunications, including landlines, and severe scarcity of essential commodities, all Indian citizens are advised not to travel to the Rakhine State of Myanmar. Those Indian citizens who are already in Rakhine State are advised to leave the State immediately,” the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
 
There are significant infrastructure projects in Myanmar funded by India, such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. These projects are vital for regional connectivity but are now at risk due to the ongoing conflict.
 
Myanmar has seen considerable turmoil since the military seized power in a coup in February 2021. Regular clashes between the Myanmar military and rebels have led to chaos and instability across the Southeast Asian nation. These rebels have captured several border trade and crossing points on the frontiers with India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and China.
 
The continuing civil war in Myanmar poses a direct threat to regional stability, affecting not only local populations but also international relations and cross-border projects.