Myanmar Rebel Group Sees Promise in India’s Kaladan Project, Despite Discord with Junta

Defense News ,India :- In a recent interview, the Arakan Army (AA), a armed ethnic group engaged in conflict with Myanmar's military junta, surprisingly expresses support for India's Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). The KMMTTP, designed to establish a waterway and road link between the two nations, promises substantial economic benefits.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the AA spokesperson from the United League of Arakan (ULA) assures that the project will be "totally safe" once they "re-capture Kaladan and Laymro river deltas." This marks a potential shift in stance, considering previous concerns about the project's impact on local communities and potential exploitation by the junta.

Expressing openness to cooperation with India, the spokesperson states, "We have no problem with India and are ready to cooperate for mutual benefit," potentially paving the way for future collaboration as the political landscape in Myanmar stabilizes.

Nevertheless, challenges persist. The KMMTTP has faced delays due to the volatile political situation and complex logistics, including the construction of a critical 109 km road segment within Myanmar. The initial completion date of 2014, as well as the revised December 2023 deadline, have already been missed.

Despite these obstacles, the AA's newfound support, combined with India's ongoing commitment, underscores the potential of the KMMTTP to foster regional development and trade. Navigating common ground among stakeholders, including the AA and the future Myanmar government, will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of this crucial project for regional development.