- Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand from 6 to 7 August 2026, where he and Prime Minister Anuthin Chawirakorn reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project.
- The joint statement issued during the visit emphasized the importance of strengthening transport and infrastructure links, boosting the trilateral highway and other connectivity projects.
- Construction on the highway has faced delays due to political instability and armed conflict in Myanmar, with the project now targeted for completion in 2027.
- The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is a 1,360-kilometer (845-mile) regional road project connecting Moreh in Manipur, India, to Mae Sot, Thailand, through Myanmar.
- Political instability in Myanmar, particularly following the 2021 military coup, has significantly disrupted work on the highway, causing delays in construction.
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted in February 2025 that the unrest in Myanmar had paused the IMTT Highway project, highlighting the challenges faced.
- In June 2026, PM Modi and Myanmar President held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, emphasizing the need for enhanced connectivity to foster economic linkages.
Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand on August 6-7, 2026, to discuss the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, a vital 1,360-kilometer road linking India and Thailand through Myanmar. The project, part of India's Act East policy, aims to enhance regional trade and connectivity.1
During the bilateral talks, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to improving transport networks and infrastructure links. The joint statement highlighted plans for maritime connectivity between Ranong Port and Myanmar, as well as the development of the Phu Nam Rong-Htei-Tawei transport corridor.2
Despite nearly 70% completion of the highway, political instability in Myanmar has hindered progress. Originally conceived in 2002, the project was expected to finish by 2015, but the target has now been pushed to 2027. The first segment, the India-Myanmar Friendship Road, connects Moreh, Tamu, Kalemyo, and Kalewa.6
India has also upgraded the Kalewa-Yagyi section and replaced 69 bridges along the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa route to enhance connectivity. The leaders also discussed establishing a Myanmar-Thailand Transport Network Enhancement Joint Working Group to coordinate multi-modal connectivity plans, including road, sea, and cross-border routes.
India's trade with ASEAN has seen significant growth, with exports reaching US$44 billion in 2022-23, up from US$42.3 billion the previous year, while imports rose to US$87.6 billion from US$68 billion.
“The joint statement also proposed a Myanmar-Thailand Transport Network Enhancement Joint Working Group to coordinate road, sea, port and cross-border routes. Nearly 70% of the 1,360-km highway is complete, but conflict in Chin State and Sagaing Region continues to delay the rest.”
