(Bhagya Subhashini’s article from SWARAJYA Mag on 16 May 2024.)
China had previously conducted a feasibility study
for the Dawei port but redirected its focus to the Kyakphyu deep seaport near
the India-built Sittwe port. Myanmar has recently chosen Russia for the
construction of the Dawei deep seaport, a decision that has raised tensions
with China, which had also shown interest in developing the port.
The port is located in the country's east coast bordering Thailand. The project was initiated in 2008 as a jointly owned bilateral economic cooperation project between the governments of Thailand and Myanmar.
Discussions
between Myanmar and Russia regarding the Dawei port project are currently
underway as the Myanmar looks to strengthen its relationship with Moscow in
order to counterbalance Chinese influence.
Proposed plans
for the project entail the construction of a port with a capacity of 10 million
tonnes and an oil refinery capable of processing 100,000 barrels per day.
However, China is apprehensive that Russia's involvement in Myanmar's port
sector may undermine its own projects in Kyaukphyu and potentially disrupt
global trade dynamics in the region.
Seeking to
bolster its ties with Moscow, Myanmar's Junta is actively pursuing Russian
investment not only for the port project but also for a special economic zone
that includes an oil refinery.
China had
previously conducted a feasibility study for the Dawei port but redirected its
focus to the Kyakphyu deep seaport near the India-built Sittwe port. Myanmar's
pivot towards Russia has reportedly incensed China, with experts suggesting
that Beijing feels sidelined by Russia's participation in the Dawei project.
Strategic importance of Dawei Port
The proposed
Dawei port, located in the Tanintharyi region on Myanmar's east coast along the
Andaman Sea, holds significant strategic importance. Serving as the gateway to
the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries, it has the potential to become a
crucial port for Thailand's containerised trade due to its proximity to
Bangkok.
After
completion, Dawei will become one of Southeast Asia’s important ports. It will
link countries in the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa,
without the need to pass through the Malacca Strait. It will have the capacity
to handle over 100 metric tons of cargo annually.
Growing Myanmar-Russia cooperation
Russia's
involvement in Myanmar goes beyond economic and defence cooperation. It extends
to military training and equipment supply, with agreements worth millions
signed between the two countries. Russia has offered assistance in sniper and
drone training and is considering providing Small Modular Reactors to Myanmar,
reports Economic Times. Additionally, Russian cooperation with Myanmar in
nuclear technology has led to the opening of a Nuclear Technology Information
Centre in Yangon.
Implications for India
India may view
Myanmar's closer relationship with Russia favourably, especially considering
China's extensive involvement in Myanmar's infrastructure and energy projects. The
increasing partnership between Myanmar and Russia aligns with India's interests
in maintaining stability in the Bay of Bengal region, where India has
historically played a security role.
