Myanmar Unrest Halts Asian Highway Project: S Jaishankar

26 Feb 2025 CW Team

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral (IMTT) Highway, a key project under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, has been stalled due to the ongoing unrest in Myanmar. Speaking at the Advantage Assam Summit in Guwahati, he stressed the importance of finding practical solutions to advance the initiative, despite current challenges. The 1,400-km highway, which aims to strengthen trade, business, health, education, and tourism ties between India, Myanmar, and Thailand, is expected to connect Moreh in Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand via Myanmar. By July 2023, about 70% of the construction work had been completed, but the project has faced repeated delays, missing its earlier target of a December 2019 launch. Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing engagement with ASEAN nations and the progress made with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. He also noted the increasing role of Japan and South Korea in northeast India’s development and the potential for expanded partnerships in education, skill development, and mobility. Despite the challenges, Jaishankar reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to the ‘Act East, Act Fast, and Act First’ approach, emphasising the need for continued regional cooperation to drive growth. (NDTV)

Infrastructure Transport

26 Feb 2025

DECADE of India: A Landmark Video Series on India’s Infrastructure Boom

Construction World, has launched DECADE of India, a premium video series documenting India’s infrastructure transformation over the past decade. Featuring policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, the series highlights sectoral advancements, innovations, and future growth.The first episode focuses on metro rail expansion, exploring its impact on urban mobility, technological progress, and policy developments. Following this, nine more episodes will cover critical infrastructure sectors—Roads & Highways, Water, Energy & Power, Real Estate, Railways, Defense, Space, Ports..

AkzoNobel India to Buy Dulux IP for Rs 11.52 Billion Amid Sale Talks

AkzoNobel India is set to acquire the intellectual property rights, including the trademark and goodwill of its flagship ‘Dulux’ brand for India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh from its parent company Akzo Nobel for Rs 11.52 billion. This move signals the potential sale of the decorative paints business under the Dulux brand. Sources indicate that in the second round of discussions, the parent company has shortlisted three Indian bidders for the business, with JSW Paints (in partnership with TPG) and Pidilite emerging as prominent contenders who have placed non-binding bids. (businessline)..

Ports, Shipping and Logistics to Drive Growth

India’s maritime sector remains a vital pillar of economic development, facilitating trade and global connectivity. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, speaking at the 12th Biennial International Conference on Ports, Shipping & Logistics 2025 in Mumbai, highlighted the need to enhance shipbuilding, flagged vessel operations, and logistics efficiency. The Minister noted that India has immense potential in shipbuilding and urged stakeholders to propose strategies for increasing Indian-flagged vessels. While India allows cabotage within WTO regulations, the country lacks a..