Myanmar prioritizing India-Myanmar-Thailand highway project, border stability essential: President U Min Aung Hlaing

President U Min Aung Hlaing  has emphasized the importance of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, stating that restoring normal conditions along the Myanmar-India border is crucial for the project's success and for regional connectivity.

Speaking in an interview with India's state broadcaster Doordarshan (DD India) during his recent visit to India, the President said the more than 800-mile trilateral highway would play a key role in facilitating trade, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges among the three countries.

He noted that while road links between Myanmar and Thailand are largely operational, the section connecting Myanmar and India's northeastern region remains particularly important. The route would enable Indian goods to enter Myanmar through border trade channels and allow easier movement of people between the two countries.

The President acknowledged that security concerns have delayed parts of the project, particularly following political instability that emerged in Myanmar in 2021. He said authorities are working to improve security conditions and reopen key transportation corridors, including the Kalay–Tamu route near the Indian border.

Restoring stability along the Myanmar-India border remains a top priority, and once conditions improve, border gates and transport routes can be fully reopened, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting the implementation of the trilateral highway project.

On drug trafficking, the President said narcotics production expanded amid instability following the 2021 political crisis. He credited information-sharing and law enforcement cooperation between Myanmar and India for helping authorities gain greater control over drug trafficking activities along the shared border.

He stated that Myanmar and India have made progress in suppressing narcotics-related crimes in border areas but stressed that lasting success depends on achieving political stability and strengthening democratic institutions.

He also linked armed conflicts and narcotics production to long-standing political and ethnic disputes, arguing that peaceful political dialogue and negotiated solutions are necessary to reduce violence and limit the influence of drug-producing networks.

He said Myanmar is pursuing a dual-track approach that combines peace negotiations with security operations, while also addressing threats posed by armed groups operating along the border.

Highlighting the government's priorities, the President described peace as the country's most important objective, followed by security and development. He said sustainable national development can only be achieved through stability, the rule of law, and inclusive growth that benefits all citizens.

He added that Myanmar will continue efforts to resolve political differences through constitutional and legal mechanisms while promoting peace, security, and economic development nationwide.

He recalled that upon assuming responsibility, he had pledged to achieve peace within 100 days and to bring lasting peace to the country within five years. To that end, the government has extended peace invitations and remains committed to resolving issues through discussions and negotiations.

The President said security and the rule of law must also be strengthened alongside peace efforts, noting that opposition groups carrying out terrorist activities can be broadly categorized into Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People's Defence Forces (PDFs).

PDFs emerged after 2021 as a result of political disagreements, while EAOs have existed since independence due to various ethnic-related issues. He stated that the government would prioritize addressing PDF-related challenges from both peace and security perspectives before continuing peace negotiations with EAOs.

He noted that discussions with EAOs have been ongoing for some time, but their demands vary considerably and require careful consideration. The President stressed that negotiations should focus on practical and achievable objectives rather than unrealistic expectations.

Referring to Myanmar's ethnic diversity, he said the country is home to more than 130 ethnic groups, including eight major ethnic nationalities, making it necessary to address differing viewpoints through legal and constitutional mechanisms.

He reiterated that peace efforts would be carried out in accordance with the Constitution, focusing on what is acceptable to the majority of the population and what is realistically achievable.

He further stated that national development must proceed in parallel with peace and security efforts, emphasizing that development initiatives should benefit all citizens regardless of ethnicity. Inclusive development, he said, is essential for the country's long-term progress and stability.

"Peace is the first priority, followed by stability and security. At the same time, development work must continue in parallel," the President said, describing this as the government's overall approach.