Myanmar and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (January 21) to support three new development projects, including assistance in the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

The signing ceremony, held in Nay Pyi Taw, was attended by Dr. San San Aye, Director-General of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement, on behalf of Myanmar, and Shri Ashish Sharma, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Myanmar, representing India.

The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in implementing small-scale development projects with a focus on social infrastructure, skill-building initiatives, and gender-based livelihood improvements. It also seeks to support marginalized communities within Myanmar.

Two of the projects will involve providing vocational training and educational infrastructure for Home Science Schools in 10 states and regions, covering cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, Mawlamyine, Taungoo, Myitkyina, Pyapon, Pathein, Ywangan, Sittwe, Haka, and Dawei.

The third project focuses on rehabilitating drug addicts through vocational training and educational assistance. This initiative will be implemented in five states and regions: Yangon, Mandalay, Kachin, Shan, and Kayin.

The framework for India’s support for small-scale development projects was initially established through an MoU signed on July 27, 2010, and was renewed twice, in 2015 and 2020. The Indian government has consistently committed to assisting Myanmar by supporting impactful grassroots infrastructure projects.

Under this framework, India has also extended assistance for projects such as upgrading the Women and Children Hospital in Monywa, Sagaing Region; providing computers to Sittwe Computer University in Rakhine State; and supplying tractors and rice harvesters to Rakhine State.

These efforts aim to empower women, children, and marginalized communities in Myanmar, demonstrating India’s continued dedication to fostering sustainable development in the region, according to the Embassy of India in Myanmar.