India, Myanmar step up trade, security ties
NEW DELHI: Warming up to the new leadership that brought curtains on five decades of military rule in that country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said: “Myanmar is special for us. It holds a unique position in our neighbourhood.”
The two counties have decided to step up the security ties and firm up their connectivity plans after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw — the first top level engagement with the new government of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy.
The two countries have also signed four MoUs to boost cooperation in areas of connectivity, medicine and renewable energy, besides resolving to deepen ties in a range of other sectors, including agriculture, banking and power.
“We recognised that our security interests are closely aligned. And, we agreed on the need to remain sensitive to each other’s strategic interests and concerns.”
“To this end, President and I agreed to work together for the safety and security of our people. And, actively cooperate to combat the common challenges of terrorism and insurgent activity in our region,” Modi said, with Htin Kyaw by his side.
India and Myanmar shares 1,640 km long border with India’s four north-eastern states besides sharing a maritime border.
Referring to new Myanmarese government’s agenda of ushering an all-round development, Modi said, “Let me assure you that at every step of the way 1.25 billion people of India will stand by you — both as partners and as friends.”
The PM said both sides have also agreed to work towards a a mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.