India Reaffirms Support for Myanmar's Sovereignty During Presidential Visit

Support for Myanmar's Sovereignty

During the visit of Myanmar's President U Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to supporting Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that both nations agreed not to allow their territories to be used against each other. The President of Myanmar assured that their land would not be utilized in a manner that threatens India's security.

Emphasis on Trade and Technical Cooperation

The Myanmar President participated in the India-Myanmar Business Conclave during his visit. Currently, bilateral trade between the two countries exceeds $2 billion, with India's exports at $600 million and Myanmar's exports surpassing $1.5 billion. The primary focus of this visit is on enhancing cooperation in technology, energy, and infrastructure. As part of this agenda, he visited the NTPC Energy Technology Center in Greater Noida and is scheduled to travel to Mumbai. The President also extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit Myanmar.

Addressing Cybercrime and Human Trafficking

In response to a question regarding discussions on economic cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths, Foreign Secretary Misri confirmed that these issues were indeed addressed. He also highlighted that the meeting included serious discussions on cyber scam networks and the trafficking of Indian citizens, emphasizing India's ongoing collaboration with Myanmar on these matters.

Efforts to Bring Back Stranded Indians

Recent reports indicate that over 150 Indian citizens remain trapped in cyber scam compounds in Myanmar, with negotiations underway with the Myanmar government for their return. So far, 2,411 individuals have been safely repatriated. The Foreign Secretary noted that these Indian nationals are often trafficked into Myanmar via third countries, underscoring the need for extensive regional cooperation to tackle this issue effectively.