India and Myanmar reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation as the 9th Meeting of the India–Myanmar Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in Nay Pyi Taw on 21 January 2026. The two sides reviewed progress on connectivity, trade facilitation and implementation of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), while setting an ambitious target to scale up bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
9th India–Myanmar JTC Meeting Held in Nay Pyi Taw
The meeting was co-chaired by:
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U Minn Minn, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
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Shri Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Representatives from key stakeholder ministries and departments from both countries participated, reflecting the strategic importance of the dialogue in strengthening bilateral economic engagement.
Focus on Connectivity, Trade Facilitation and Border Infrastructure
The Committee deliberated on several critical areas aimed at enhancing cross-border trade and economic integration, including:
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Improving physical and digital connectivity
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Expanding market access
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Streamlining financial transactions
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Upgrading border infrastructure
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Re-opening border trade posts
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Promoting the Rupee–Kyat trade settlement mechanism
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Maximizing benefits under the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)
The Myanmar side expressed appreciation for India’s supportive policy environment for Myanmar’s exports, especially in the pulses and beans sector, which remains a key component of bilateral trade.
Cooperation Across Key Growth Sectors
Both sides explored deeper collaboration in high-potential sectors to support long-term mutual growth, including:
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Textiles
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Transport and Connectivity
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Capacity Building
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Customs and Border Management
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Shipping
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Power and Energy
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
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MSMEs
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Health and Pharmaceuticals
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Agriculture
It was agreed that strengthened cooperation in these areas could significantly enhance economic resilience and deepen the partnership framework.
Strategic Importance of Border Trade Posts Reaffirmed
The meeting underscored the vital role of the Tamu–Moreh and Rhi–Zokhawthar border trade posts in facilitating bilateral commerce. The Indian side reiterated its request for the early reopening of these land border points.
Both sides also emphasized the need to develop a corresponding Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Tamu, which would further streamline cross-border movement and improve trade efficiency.
Bilateral Trade at USD 2.15 Billion; Target Set for USD 5 Billion by 2030
Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reached USD 2.15 billion in 2024–25, reflecting a steady and positive growth trend. Recognizing the vast untapped potential, both countries agreed on a shared vision to scale bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
This target is expected to be driven by improved connectivity, better infrastructure, stronger institutional mechanisms and more trade-facilitative policies.
Commitment to Faster AITIGA Review
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the expeditious completion of the AITIGA review, with the objective of making the agreement:
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Simpler
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More balanced
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Mutually beneficial
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More trade-facilitative
They also agreed to maintain regular inter-agency communication to ensure effective follow-up on decisions taken during the meeting.
Conclusion
The 9th India–Myanmar JTC meeting marked a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral economic ties. With a clear roadmap focusing on connectivity, border infrastructure, sectoral cooperation and trade facilitation, both nations demonstrated strong political will to elevate their partnership. The shared goal of reaching USD 5 billion in trade by 2030 reflects growing confidence in the long-term potential of India–Myanmar economic cooperation. The two sides reviewed progress on connectivity, trade facilitation and implementation of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), while setting an ambitious target to scale up bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.
This target is expected to be driven by improved connectivity, better infrastructure, stronger institutional mechanisms and more trade-facilitative policies. The next meeting of the Joint Trade Committee will be held in New Delhi.
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Source: PIB
