Myanmar: India is actively pursuing agreements to enhance grid connectivity and supply petroleum products to Myanmar to address the Southeast Asian nation’s chronic energy shortages, Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur said Friday.
Speaking to PTI, Thakur outlined India’s strategic focus on energy cooperation as a key pillar of its relationship with Myanmar.
“Given that our Northeast is now developing rapidly with special efforts by the Government of India under the DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) department, grid connectivity to address the energy shortage in Myanmar is an important area of collaboration,” he said.
The ambassador emphasised that these initiatives would not only help stabilise Myanmar’s energy supply but also strengthen bilateral ties.
It will also help Myanmar diversify its energy needs, for which it currently depend on China.
In addition to grid connectivity, India is negotiating a coastal shipping agreement to streamline the supply of petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel, to Myanmar.
Thakur highlighted the logistical advantage of India’s east coast, noting that shipping times to Myanmar are at least 24 hours shorter than other routes.
“This makes our petroleum products supply particularly attractive for Myanmar, and we are moving quickly to formalise this cooperation,” he said.
The envoy also mentioned efforts to increase trade settlements in rupees and kyats (Myanmar’s currency), which would further facilitate energy transactions and reduce dependency on third-country currencies.
“Collaboration in the solar energy sector under the Joint Working Group on Power is another area of focus, with India sharing expertise and technology to help Myanmar harness its renewable energy potential,” the ambassador said.
India has also pledged to support Myanmar in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase after the recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which damaged critical infrastructure, including bridges, cultural sites, and state buildings in regions like Mandalay, Sagaing, and Naypyidaw.
PTI
