Ninth Meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.The meeting focused on expanding market access, streamlining financial transactions, promoting the Rupee–Kyat trade settlement mechanism, and maximising benefits under the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).AITIGA is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, designed to reduce or eliminate customs tariffs and non-tariff barriers on physical goods traded between them.Discussions covered improving connectivity, upgrading border infrastructure, and reopening border trade posts to boost cross-border trade and movement.Identified multiple sectors for cooperation, including textiles, transport and connectivity, shipping, power, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to drive mutual growth.
Both sides emphasised capacity building, customs and border management, and improved infrastructure as key enablers of sustained economic cooperation.Cooperation in health, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture was highlighted as essential for long-term gains and strengthening mutual support and collaboration.Reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Tamu–Moreh and Rhi–Zokhawthar border trade posts in facilitating cross-border trade.Tamu–Moreh and Rhi–Zokhawthar are the two primary operational border trade posts between India and Myanmar, facilitating essential land-based commerce and connectivity
India-Myanmar Relations
¨     India shares a long land border of over 1643 kms with Myanmar, as well as a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal.
¨     Four northeastern states, viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram, have a boundary with Myanmar.
¨     The countries have shared religious, linguistic, and ethnic ties, with Myanmar being India’s only ASEAN neighbour and gateway to Southeast Asia.
¨     India aims to enhance cooperation with Myanmar under its ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies.
¨     India’s Act East Policy (AEP) is a diplomatic initiative launched in November 2014 as a proactive upgrade to the 1991 “Look East Policy”. It seeks to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic relationships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
¨     India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP), launched in 2014, is a core diplomatic framework aimed at building cordial and synergetic relations with its immediate South Asian neighbours.
Bilateral trade
¨     India and Myanmar reached USD 2.15 billion in bilateral trade during 2024–25, reflecting a strong and positive growth trajectory.
¨     Recognising the significant potential for further expansion, both sides agreed on a shared vision to scale bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
Development Cooperation
¨     India’s development assistance portfolio in Myanmar is now over US $1.75 billion. The bulk of this assistance is grant-funded.
¨     India has undertaken major connectivity projects in Myanmar, including the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway linking Northeast India with Myanmar and Thailand.
Defence Cooperation
¨     Defence cooperation has been a strong pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries.
¨     India and Myanmar regularly conduct joint military exercises IMBEX (India–Myanmar Bilateral Exercise), which focuses on counter-insurgency and jungle warfare operations.
Investment
¨     As of 31 March 2025, India is the 11th largest investor in Myanmar, with approved investments of US$782.821 million by 39 Indian enterprises, out of total foreign investments of US$96.05 billion from 53 countries.
¨     Disaster Relief
¨     Following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March 2025, India launched Operation Brahma, deploying 9 military aircraft and 5 warships to deliver about 968 MT of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.