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New Delhi: On June 1, Prime Minister Modi also met Myanmar’s President, Min Aung Hlaing, in New Delhi who discussed with him a broad range of security and economic concerns and agreed to step up efforts to move beyond the shared past to improve the relationship between the two countries. Min Aung Hlaing, for the first time since his role as president of Myanmar was accepted in April 2014, visited India, marking the first-ever visit to the country by the president since he took office.
The dialogue focused on various issues, such as border security, trade, connectivity initiatives, regional security, and cooperation in new areas like critical minerals and technology. India and Myanmar share over 1600 km border and security cooperation has been an integral facet of their cooperation.
Myanmar is among the main security concerns of India, which has been causing a prolonged conflict for quite some time now. The Prime Minister’s reference was to the activities of armed groups near the Indo-Myanmar border that affect the communities in the north-east states in Myanmar, reports said. He also voiced worries about the security of the residents in the neighboring areas of the two countries, and called for greater bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Another major issue, which was discussed, was the border control issue. Myanmar has assured India that no land would be used for the security of India. Both parties agreed the need for peace and stability in the border area for sustainable development and for trade and connectivity.
The leaders also talked about economic cooperation. India is keen to source Myanmar’s minerals such as rare earth elements and advanced technologies required for manufacturing of electric vehicles and other electronic devices, it is also in discussion with high-level mechanism for further strengthening trade cooperation between the two countries. It would be beneficial also to the two countries if they could foster an economically freer relationship between the two, and also in diminishing their dependence on other international supplies.
The other significant issue that was raised was connectivity Projects. Myanmar is now playing a strategic role in India’s ‘Act East’ policy to boost relations with the Southeast Asian (S-E-A) countries.Playing a significant role in the plans of ‘Act East’ policy through strengthening relations with the South-east Asian (S-E-A) countries. Myanmar’s growing road, transportation, and trading infrastructure will provide greater business activities and regionally access for India.
The two leaders also spoke on combating cybercrime and human trafficking. With the assistance of the regional partners the government of India has recently been able to trace and extricate thousands of Indians who end up in cyber scam centres in various parts of Southeast Asia. Co-operation in this area should be further strengthened by both Governments in order to maximize the benefits of the cooperation.
During the visit is also important as this could be the first time in Myanmar’s history where they can return to diplomatic engagement with the international community since the 2021 military coup. Myanmar is seeking to boost the regional ties with India and at the same time counterbalance the influence of China in the region, analysts say.
The meeting emphasized on the strategic significance of Indo-Myanmar relations. Also both countries are concerned with securing the future of their trade and investment interests, establishing the infrastructure of Europe and improving regional cooperation. The talks indicate that New Delhi is in no hurry to withdraw its active involvement from Myanmar, which is considered a vital Southeast Asian neighbor and partner.
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