India contributes 3,000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar

On October 5, 2020, the Government of India contributed 3,000 vials to Myanmar under the framework of India-Myanmar Foreign Office Consultation.

Highlights

The 3,000 vials of Remdesivir drug was provided by Army Chief Naravane to the Myanmar State counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The vias were provided under Neighbourhood First Policy of India to help the friendly neighbour fight against COVID-19.

Background

The Indian Army Chief General Naravane is on a two day visit to Myanmar to expand ties in defence, security and connectivity. He has accompanied the Foreign Secretary Harsh Varshan Shringla.

Significance

The visit gains its importance as it comes amidst the stand off between Indian and Chinese armies in Ladakh. Also, the Indian representatives have made the foreign visit amidst restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The visit is also important as it is the first foreign visit of General Naravane since he took charge as Army Chief in December 2019.

India-Myanmar

India and Myanmar are working to make the Sittwe port of Myanmar operational by 2021. The port will connect India’s land locked north eastern region. The countries have also planned to begin the construction of 69 bridges under the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway soon.

• India is strengthening its maritime cooperation with Myanmar to secure the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This is important because the Chinese influence in the region is increasing. India is expecting China to make similar moves in the IOR as that of Ladakh.
• Myanmar has the highest Indian Investment as compared to any other country in South Asia. India has invested around 1.2 billion USD in Myanmar. Recently, India approved 120 million USD investment in the Shwe Oil and Gas project.
• According to the 2012 agreement, India has been assisting Myanmar in developing the border areas. Under this, India provided 5 million USD for over a period of 5 years. This Memorandum of Understanding has already been extended till 2022. This is mainly to help Myanmar fix its Rohingya issued in the Rakhine state.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020