In the context of energy diplomacy and security, for India and China, Myanmar is rapidly emerging as the primary gateway to their much needed energy supplies, particularly China having already established itself as the first investor in Myanmar. Recent gas discoveries by Daewoo in the Bay of Bengal have now attracted major Indian and Chinese operators to carve out a share of the significant gas and petroleum potential, and plans are being finalized for a petroleum pipeline linking south-western China to the Bengal coastline of Myanmar.

China and India are the second and third largest economies in Asia, respectively. The need for rapid economic development, industrialization, urbanization and improved lifestyles is driving the two countries’ energy demand higher and making them increasingly reliant on world energy markets. Historically, China has been deeply involved both strategically and economically in Myanmar since the late 1980’s. Recently, the Indian government also awakened to the fact that it holds significant advantage to engage Myanmar in regards with energy explorations. Therefore it becomes crucial to understand the strategic importance of Myanmar with respect to energy security for the two Asian giants