India to the Rescue: Leading Myanmar's Post-Quake Rebuild

India will play a critical role in rebuilding Myanmar’s infrastructure and cultural heritage, which were severely impacted by the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28, claiming more than 3,000 lives. India's Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, reaffirmed on Thursday that India is committed to supporting Myanmar with both immediate relief and long-term reconstruction efforts.

In an interview with PTI Videos, Thakur highlighted that several prominent landmarks, including the Mahamuni Pagoda in Rakhine, Mandalay Palace, the U Bein Bridge over the Irrawaddy River, the National Museum, and key government buildings in Naypyidaw, had sustained extensive damage in the quake.

“India stands firmly by Myanmar, not just in the initial phase of relief, but also during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase,” Thakur said. He underscored Myanmar’s strategic importance in India's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.

The Ambassador stated that India will collaborate closely with Myanmar to assess the country's needs and provide tailored developmental support. He also emphasized that India's assistance will be instrumental in restoring crucial connectivity through the Sagaing region, which suffered significant damage, including the destruction of numerous bridges and infrastructure.

Two major connectivity initiatives—the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway—will play a key role in Myanmar's recovery, Thakur noted. The Kaladan project connects India’s northeastern states to Myanmar’s Sittwe port, while the Trilateral Highway aims to enhance trade and connectivity across Southeast Asia.

“These initiatives are supported by grants, lines of credit, and capacity-building programs, forming a robust foundation for India-Myanmar’s enduring developmental partnership,” he added.

India has already sent over 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, medicines, and emergency supplies. Thakur also commended Myanmar’s authorities for their cooperation in facilitating the delivery of India’s aid, calling it a “testament to our close ties.”

Despite Myanmar’s ongoing internal conflicts, Thakur emphasized that support for Indian aid has remained consistent across the country, transcending regional and political divisions.

The earthquake on March 28 is one of the deadliest in Myanmar's recent history, exacerbating the country’s challenges of civil unrest and economic instability and displacing thousands across central regions such as Sagaing and Mandalay.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.