PM Modi Engages in Talks with Myanmar President to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
Strengthening Ties with Myanmar
PM Modi with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, on Monday. (Photo:PTI)
New Delhi, Jun 1: On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with Myanmar's President U Min Aung Hlaing, emphasizing the enhancement of bilateral cooperation across various sectors including trade, connectivity, border security, and defense.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry, both nations are committed to fostering a partnership rooted in their historical ties and mutual respect, aiming for peace, progress, and prosperity. They plan to collaborate further in trade, investment, connectivity, development, capacity building, security, and border management.
Modi expressed India's role as a dependable neighbor and partner for Myanmar, particularly in times of crisis, aligning with India's Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
The Prime Minister also reiterated India's willingness to assist Myanmar in achieving peace and dialogue, sharing insights on federal governance and economic development.
President Aung Hlaing is on a five-day visit to India, which follows his recent election as President after Myanmar's parliamentary elections held in December and January, amidst ongoing protests against the military junta that took power in February 2021.
Myanmar shares a significant 1,640-km border with several northeastern Indian states, including Nagaland and Manipur, which have faced challenges related to militancy.
On Sunday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Aung Hlaing to discuss important aspects of their bilateral relationship.
The Myanmarese leader is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation that includes cabinet ministers, senior officials, and business leaders. Aung Hlaing was initially set to attend the International Big Cat Alliance Summit in New Delhi on June 1, which has since been postponed.
On June 2, he will visit Mumbai for interactions with business and industry leaders and to conduct site visits.