PM Narendra Modi shakes hands with Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi before a meeting. (Pankaj Nangia/India Today Group/Getty Images)In a major development, India has proposed to build a $6 billion petroleum refinery project near Yangon in Myanmar, as it looks to further bolster its credentials as a serious and viable partner, reports Livemint.
India's proposal for the massive investment was put forth during the recent two-day joint visit of Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to Myanmar.
The proposal for the refinery project from India comes as China is trying to lure Myanmar into its fold with several projects announced during President Xi's visit in January this year. With this proposal, India is trying to counter the Chinese influence in the neighbouring country.
As of now, state-owned Indian Oil Corporation has evinced interest in the project.
The proposal has been lauded by renowned diplomat and former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, who not only called it a "very bold" move, but also asserted, "It is a very strategic project aimed at reducing Myanmar's dependence on China's infrastructure building. India cannot counter China by merely saying it has an ‘Act East’ policy. The investment is substantial to catch Myanmar’s attention."
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.