India Acts East: MoU Signed With Myanmar For Operationalising Sittwe Port To Bolster Northeast Connectivity

India and Myanmar have inked a pact for appointing a private operator of the Sittwe Port The New Indian Express reported. The port will boost connectivity and help in creating local job opportunities and is part of India’s Act East policy.

"All aspects relating to bilateral cooperation as well as matters about international as well as regional matters of common interest, including developments in Rakhine state were discussed during this meeting," said an External Affairs Ministry statement.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale signed the MoU for the appointment of a private port operator for operating and managing Sittwe Port, Paletwa Inland Water Terminal and associated facilities that are part of the Kaladan Multi-Model Transit and Transport Project.

“This is a significant step in the implementation of India's Act East Policy as its signing will 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," the statement said.

The Sittwe port in Myanmar will connect India's landlocked north-east region to the Bay of Bengal through Mizoram. The port would also provide an alternate route to Kolkata. India has an overall commitment of $1.75 billion for development programmes in Myanmar.