The construction of a 1,400-kilometre-long India-Thailand Highway project, originally scheduled for completion in 2019, has come to a standstill after reaching 70 per cent completion.

The India-Thailand Highway project was considered crucial for expanding trade with Southeast Asia.

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, has attributed the delay to Myanmar, citing political instability as the primary reason for the project's suspension.

Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati on February 25, 2025, Jaishankar openly addressed the issue, stressing the importance of the highway for economic growth.

He stated that once the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway is completed, it will open new avenues for trade.

However, due to Myanmar’s internal political crisis, work on this critical infrastructure project has come to a halt, he added.

"The project has been stalled because of Myanmar’s political situation. However, we cannot allow this crucial initiative to remain incomplete. We will engage in discussions with Myanmar to find a practical solution and accelerate its completion," said Jaishankar.

The project was initiated in 2002 as a joint effort between India, Myanmar, and Thailand to boost trade, healthcare, education, and tourism.

The India-Thailand Highway was designed to stretch from Moreh in India’s Manipur, through Myanmar, and end in Mae Sot, Thailand.

Construction progressed steadily until Myanmar’s military coup, which led to political turmoil and disrupted further development.

Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to reviving the project, stating that the Indian government will take necessary steps to resume construction.

During his speech, he also highlighted the success of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He emphasised India's strong focus on strengthening ties with neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar.

He noted that India has been actively investing in new roads, checkpoints, railways, waterways, power grids, fuel pipelines, and transportation infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity.

Jaishankar further recalled India's swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the supply of vaccines, food grains, fertilisers, and fuel to neighbouring nations.

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