India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, delivered solar systems to 50 households of earthquake-affected ethnic individuals in Taunggyi. The initiative, known as a Quick Impact Project (QIP) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Initiative, was overseen by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in the presence of Ethnic Affairs Minister U Than Maung and CM Shan State U Sai Htein Soe. The Mission team, accompanied by the Union Ethnic Affairs Minister and Deputy Minister, as well as several Ethnic Ministers of Shan State, visited beneficiary houses in earthquake-affected floating villages of Inle Lake.
Development cooperation has been a significant aspect of India’s bilateral engagement with Myanmar. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted India’s contributions, ranging from establishing major connectivity infrastructure to initiatives in capacity building and human resource development in critical areas like agricultural research, healthcare, education, IT, and skill development. Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) mechanism, the Indian government launched Quick Impact Projects (QIP) to achieve rapid, visible development outcomes in various countries, including Myanmar.
The MEA explained that QIPs aim to provide small, timely interventions that address local needs and yield immediate benefits. The Government of India has committed up to US$ 500,000 annually for such projects under the QIP Framework Agreement. By March of this year, more than 25 QIPs had been approved across Myanmar in sectors such as renewable energy, civic infrastructure, agriculture, rural development, education, handloom, disaster risk reduction, and cultural restoration.
