Myanmar Calls for Stronger Indian Investment, New Trade Council Announced in Bengaluru
Bengaluru – In a significant move to bolster economic ties, the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) announced the forthcoming launch of a dedicated Myanmar Trade Council in Karnataka. The announcement came as Myanmar’s Ambassador to India called for a fresh wave of Indian investment, highlighting the country’s strategic regional integration and a bilateral trade relationship that reached $1.8 billion in the last fiscal year.
The calls for deepened collaboration were made at the ‘International Resilience Summit 2025’, where Ambassador U Zaw Oo positioned Myanmar as a prime destination for Indian expertise and capital. He emphasized the natural partnership between the two neighbours, linked by more than just geography.
“Myanmar welcomes Indian investment and expertise,” stated Ambassador Zaw Oo. “Our countries are connected not only by borders but by centuries of cultural and economic linkages. As Myanmar integrates further into regional frameworks, India stands as a natural and vital partner—particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and renewable energy.”
The Ambassador’s appeal is timed with Myanmar’s recent induction into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a development seen as opening new avenues for multilateral engagement and economic stability. This accession provides a renewed framework for cooperation in critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and digital innovation.

A Maturing Economic Partnership
The India-Myanmar economic relationship is already robust. India’s key exports include pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, steel, and machinery, while it relies on Myanmar for essential imports like pulses, timber, and natural gas. The $1.8 billion trade figure for FY 2024-25 underscores a solid foundation poised for growth.
To harness this potential, the IETO is institutionalizing its efforts. Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the IETO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment and detailed the new initiative.
“Myanmar’s entry into the SCO is a positive step toward greater regional cooperation and stability,” Dr. Iqbal said. “IETO will soon launch a dedicated Myanmar Trade Council, with Karnataka—and particularly Bengaluru—poised to benefit from deeper trade, education, and technology collaborations.”
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Summit Focuses on Resilience and Global Cooperation
The broader summit served as a platform for international dialogue on sustainable growth. Prof. Dr. A.V. Srinivasan, AYUSH Commissioner for Africa, highlighted the role of traditional knowledge systems in global health. The importance of robust healthcare infrastructure was further underscored by Dr. M.K. Ramesh, President of the National Medical Commission (MARB), who called it a “foundational element of national resilience and global preparedness.”
A key panel discussion on “The Future of Global Resilience” featured leaders from diverse fields including academia, biotech, and social enterprise. The conversations centred on building resilient institutions and fostering innovation through regional cooperation.
The event reinforced India’s role as a hub for global dialogue, offering a critical platform for entrepreneurs to explore new markets and forge partnerships aimed at building a more sustainable and interconnected economic future.
Key Quotes
1. On Inviting Indian Investment:
“Myanmar welcomes Indian investment and expertise. Our countries are connected not only by borders but by centuries of cultural and economic linkages. As Myanmar integrates further into regional frameworks, India stands as a natural and vital partner—particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and renewable energy.”
— U Zaw Oo, Ambassador of Myanmar to India
2. On the New Trade Council & SCO Accession:
“Myanmar’s entry into the SCO is a positive step toward greater regional cooperation and stability. IETO will soon launch a dedicated Myanmar Trade Council, with Karnataka—and particularly Bengaluru—poised to benefit from deeper trade, education, and technology collaborations.”
— Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO)
3. On Healthcare Infrastructure:
“Robust healthcare infrastructure is a foundational element of national resilience and global preparedness.”
— Dr. M.K. Ramesh, President of the National Medical Commission (MARB)