India’s 2nd Global Port overseas Sittwe Port, Myanmar

India’s 2nd Global Port: India recently gained control of the Sittwe Port, giving them more influence in the region. The port is part of a larger project to improve connectivity between India and Myanmar.

About the India’s 2nd Global Sittwe Port

The plan of India Ports Global (IPGL) to assume full control of Sittwe Port, situated on the Kaladan River in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, has been authorized by the Ministry of External Affairs. Thus, Myanmar’s Sittwe Port became the second international port to come under the control of India Ports Global Limited after Iran’s Shahid Beheshti Port, Chabahar.

However, unlike Chabahar Port, where India controls only two terminals, India has full control over Sittwe Port.

India’s 2nd Global Port

India Ports Global (IPGL) has submitted a request to take over management of the entire port situated on the Kaladan River, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has given its approval.
The Government of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is the sole owner of IPGL.
China and India are trying to increase their economic influence in the Indian Ocean. Ports have become extremely important in this rivalry. China, in particular, is aggressively trying to acquire operating rights to many ports.

The recently approved deal includes a long-term lease of the port to India, which will be renewed every three years. IPGL will mobilize resources to further develop the port.

Under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sagarmala Development Company Limited is the parent company of India Ports Global Limited.

Sittwe Port of Myanmar

The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which was signed by India and Myanmar, includes the expansion of Sittwe Port in the state of Rakhine in Myanmar. Multimodal transit connectivity on the Kaladan River will connect Sittwe port in Myanmar with India’s Mizoram state. This port was built with a grant of $500 million given to Myanmar from India.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal formally inaugurated the project on 9 May 2023. He received the first Indian cargo ship, which sailed from Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port in Kolkata to Sittwe Port.

Importance of Sittwe Port for India

The development of Sitivi Port is part of the government’s strategy to develop India’s landlocked northeastern states.

It will increase connectivity with the North Eastern region of India. This is expected to reduce transportation costs and logistics costs for delivering goods to Tripura and Mizoram.

Connectivity to Mizoram

Under the Kaladan Multimodal Project, a 158 km waterway is being developed from Sittwe Port on Kaladan River to Paletwa in Myanmar. Additionally, a 109 km road network is being developed from Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border in the state of Mizoram. This is expected to boost connectivity in the north-eastern states of India.

Connectivity to Tripura

Sittwe, Myanmar to Sarbum, Tripura: Cargo from Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata will be transshipped to Sittwe Port. From Sittwe port, goods can be transported to Teknaf port in Bangladesh. From Teknaf port, goods can be transported by road to Sabroom in Tripura. Tripura will gain a lot from this initiative since it will cut down on logistics expenses and travel time.

Arakan rebels threaten Sittwe port

Myanmar’s military has ruled the country for most of the time since independence. But the current military government led by Min Aung Hlaing, who came to power in February 2021, is considered the most brutal. The military government, also known as the Tatmadaw, is facing a civil war where various rebel groups are fighting against it. In recent days, rebels have gained control of key provinces in Myanmar.

In Rakhine state, where Sittwe is located, the Myanmar Army is engaged in a war with the Arakan Army. The Arakan Army has reached within a few kilometers of the Rakhine state capital. There is every possibility that it may fall into the hands of rebels. The military regime is supported by the Indian government and no one knows what the fate of the Sitawi project will be if the rebels take over Rakhine state.

Strategic implications for India

1. Alternative route for cargo transportation – Sittwe Port serves as an essential outlet for goods from the North Eastern region of India. It provides an easier and more cost-effective alternative to congested traditional land routes.

2. Enhances India’s maritime connectivity – The port is located close to the Indian Ocean and the Strait of Malacca. The strategic location of Sittwe Port enhances India’s maritime connectivity and trade routes, while also strengthening regional security.

3. Countering Chinese aggression – The move to acquire the Sittwe port supports India’s economic ambitions, strengthens its naval capabilities, and strengthens its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region. Demonstrates commitment.

What is the latest development regarding the Sittwe Port in Myanmar?

The most recent information about the Sittwe Port in Myanmar is that India has obtained the authority to run the port.The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways completely owns India Ports Global (IPGL), a firm that has received approval from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to assume full control of the port’s activities on the Kaladan River.

Sittwe Port and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transportation Project

The following are the manner in which Sittwe Port is part of the broader Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:

The port development is an integral part of the Kaladan Project, which aims to increase connectivity between Sittwe in Myanmar and Mizoram in India.
The project will connect the eastern Indian port of Kolkata with Myanmar’s Sittwe port by sea route.
It will connect Sittwe port to Paletwa in Myanmar through the Kaladan River waterway, and connect Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component.
This multi-modal link will provide an alternative route to send goods to the northeastern states of India, while significantly reducing the cost and distance from Kolkata to Mizoram and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Question: Sittwe Port of Myanmar