Myanmar-China-Russia Trilateral Trade Cooperation Expands Regional Economic Integration

Myanmar's trade and economic relations are evolving significantly with key partnerships in the region. The Myanmar-China-Russia trilateral cooperation is expanding trade activities despite security challenges, with China remaining Myanmar's second-largest investor and bilateral trade exceeding $8 billion in recent fiscal years. However, border trade is limited primarily to the Muse-Ruili checkpoint due to attacks by ethnic armed groups. India is also deepening its engagement with Myanmar, exemplified by Prime Minister Modi's meeting with Myanmar's junta leader, focusing on cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and security, signaling a prioritization of hard security interests. Additionally, the Indian Economic Trade Organisation plans to establish a Myanmar Trade Council to bolster economic, educational, and technological collaborations, with bilateral trade between India and Myanmar reaching $1.8 billion in FY 2024–25. These developments highlight Myanmar's strategic importance in regional trade and diplomacy amid ongoing internal and external challenges.