Myanmar can explore energy partnership with India riding on current goodwill

Myanmar, India's neighbour to the East in the backdrop of growing ties with India over the past year can consider creating an energy partnership that would help the country diversify sources of its requirements.

Currently Myanmar’s energy security is totally reliant on China and Singapore. As a matter of diversification and supplies Myanmar could consider importing energy from India and create a partnership that would be beneficial for the consumers in the SE Asian country.

India can supply Myanmar petroleum products like diesel and basic energy requirements that Myanmar receives from Singapore and China. Over the past decade India has been assisting some of its neighbours with energy requirements.
Today there is a nascent energy cooperation between India and Myanmar. The New Yangon Development Company Limited (NYDC) has selected the IGL consortium Indraprastha Gas Limited and GAIL from India for natural gas supply and distribution. The Pre-Project Documentation (PPD) is under preparation and agreement between the partners is under finalization, according to a note on bilateral relations of the Indian Embassy in Myanmar.

India is also ready to assist Myanmar with renewables and power supplies. Myanmar is potentially an important partner in the energy sector as future offshore gas finds can be piped to India. India currently has a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Oil and Gas, a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) & a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Power cooperation and a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Renewable Energy.

India has been the first responder following the devastating quake in Myanmar following which the junta chief has extended his appreciation for PM Narendra Modi.