India, Myanmar join hands to ensure security in border areas
The two agree that safety along Indo-Burmese border will serve their interests
NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday assured Myanmar of its unstinted support as the two traditionally close neighbours agreed to enhance ties in a range of areas including security and trade during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar’s top leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
The two sides signed three agreements to boost cooperation in power, banking and insurance sectors besides deciding to step up ties in areas of oil and gas, agriculture, renewable energy and health care.
It is Suu Kyi’s first visit to India after her National League for Democracy wrested power from the military junta in a landmark election earlier this year.
Suu Kyi, who could not become Myanmar’s President due to a constitutional provision but has full control over the government, holds the position of state councillor and foreign minister. Welcoming Suu Kyi, the Prime Minister described India as her second home and assured that “India and its friendship will stand with you in full support and solidarity”. “You are no stranger to the people of India. The sights, the sounds and vibrancy of Delhi are familiar to you. Welcome back, Excellency, to your second home! Excellency, you are an iconic leader,” he said in a media statement. Suu Kyi had done her graduation from Delhi University.
In her comments, the Myanmar leader invoked Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and said her country drew huge inspiration from the two Indian leaders in its struggle for democracy.
Prime Minister Modi said as close and friendly neighbours, the security interests of India and Myanmar are closely aligned.
The two countries agreed that close coordination to ensure security in the areas along border, and sensitivity to each other’s strategic interests, will help both neighbours, he said.
Myanmar, considered one of India’s strategic neighbours, shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. Giving details of the talks, Modi said the two countries agreed to enhance engagement in several areas including agriculture, power, renewable energy and power sector.
“Let me assure you, Excellency, that as you lead Myanmar to become a modern, secure, economically prosperous and better connected nation, India and its friendship will stand with you in full support and solidarity,” Modi said.