CNI News
June 12, 2026
The Myanmar military(Tatmadaw) issued a statement on June 10, 2026, revealing that it is currently launching offensives to reopen the Tamu-Kalay trade route—a major India-Myanmar trade artery located in Sagaing Region.
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing visited India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Modi. During the meeting, they discussed and agreed on the implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, which includes the reopening of border trade.
Following this, the Myanmar military began launching military operations to gain control of the Tamu-Kalay trade route, which serves as a trade gateway to Moreh, India.
Sai Htay Aung, Chairman of the Tai Leng (Shanni) Nationalities Development Party, told CNI News that regaining control of the Tamu-Kalay route would benefit not only the flow of goods but also military operations, as it serves as an access point to Chin and Rakhine states.
The military seized control of a PDF position on the Kalay-Tamu route.
"Since the issue of reopening this trade route was included in the President’s trip to India, it is highly important not only for the Myanmar military but for the whole country. This can be called the Asian Silk Road, and it is also the major highway for India-Myanmar trade. Therefore, it is a very vital route for the government. The main thing is that a major trade flow channel for our country will open up. Indian goods will enter this side, and Myanmar’s products, like beans and pulses, will be exported to India. This path will open up.
Furthermore, from a military perspective, the military will gain many advantages. This is because the route leading up to Chin State will be open. From Chin State, an access route will also open up to go down towards Rakhine, specifically northern Rakhine," he said.
In an interview with Indian media, President U Min Aung Hlaing stated that efforts are being made to open the trade route connecting Kalay and Tamu, as well as to reopen the border gates.
The Tamu-Moreh border trade, one of the primary trade routes between India and Myanmar, has been closed for nearly six years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 political transition.
The Kalay-Tamu route is part of the strategic India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. The highway starts from Moreh in Manipur State, India, passes through Kalay, Tamu, Kalaywa, Monywa, Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Bago, Hpa-an, Kawkareik, and Myawaddy on the Myanmar side, and connects to Mae Sot in Thailand.
The military seized control of a PDF position on the Kalay-Tamu route.
Political analyst Dr. Aung Myo told CNI News that if the Kalay-Tamu route—currently targeted for recapture by the military—can be crossed again, it will greatly benefit the domestic flow of goods as it is a Myanmar-India border trade route.
"You could say they are trying to break through and reconnect the path with India. Whatever the case, it is undeniably important. It is vital for both sides. The state on the other side also has a population of 45 million. That is not a small number. So, no matter what, it is important to a certain extent. Since we are facing blockages on the Chinese border side as well, this is crucial for both sides," he said.
Military and political analysts point out that the Myanmar military's efforts to regain control of the Kalay-Tamu route are aimed not only at the strategic India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral trade route, but also at ensuring stability in the Sagaing Region and securing access to launch offensives into Chin State and Rakhine State.
Naypyitaw released information stating that to recapture and reopen the Tamu-Kalay route, the Myanmar military has split into two columns—one from the Kalay side and another from the Tamu side—and has been launching offensives since June 7, 2026. The column from the Tamu side has reportedly reached near Yanlinphai village, while the column from the Kalay side has arrived near the 55-mile village.
