NewKerala.com

Indian Navy Chief Meets Myanmar Defence Minister, Boosts Bilateral Ties

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi met Myanmar Defence Minister General Htun Aung in Naypyidaw to discuss bilateral ties and regional stability. The discussions reviewed the current canvas of bilateral relations and identified priorities for future collaboration. Admiral Tripathi also met Myanmar Navy commanders to strengthen navy-to-navy cooperation and operational engagements. The visit included handing over of Indian-assisted projects to augment maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region.

Key Points: Indian Navy Chief Meets Myanmar Defence Minister

  • Admiral Tripathi meets Myanmar Defence Minister General Htun Aung
  • Discussions focus on regional stability and security
  • Navy-to-navy cooperation and operational engagements reviewed
  • India hands over projects including Containerised Small Arms Simulator
3 min read

Indian Navy chief calls on Myanmar's Defence Minister, discusses regional stability and security

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi meets General Htun Aung in Naypyidaw to discuss regional stability, security, and navy-to-navy cooperation.

"Discussions reviewed the current canvas of bilateral ties and identified priorities, while also underscoring the strategic-level impact of India-Myanmar defence engagement in promoting regional stability and security - Indian Navy Spokesperson"

Naypyidaw, May 4

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Myanmar's Defence Minister General Htun Aung in Naypyidaw discussed the current canvas of bilateral ties during their meeting in Naypyidaw, on Monday.

CNS Admiral Tripathi is currently on a four-day official visit to Myanmar which will conclude on Tuesday.

"As part of his ongoing visit to Myanmar, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, called on H.E. General Htun Aung, Minister of Defence of Myanmar. Discussions reviewed the current canvas of bilateral ties and identified priorities, while also underscoring the strategic-level impact of India-Myanmar defence engagement in promoting regional stability and security," Indian Navy's spokesperson posted on X.

"The exchange included ongoing bilateral activities and further avenues of collaboration, reflecting a steady, forward-looking partnership with growing strategic convergence between the two sides," the statement added.

On Sunday, Admiral Tripathi met Myanmar Navy's Central Naval Command chief Rear Admiral Aung Aung Naing and Training Command chief, Rear Admiral Khun Aung Kyaw with discussions focused on strengthening navy-to-navy cooperation, bolstering the existing defence partnership, and augmenting operational engagements.

The two sides also spoke about issues related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaboration.

"During the ongoing visit to Myanmar, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS was received at the Central Naval Command Headquarters, Yangon with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. CNS held discussions with RAdm Aung Aung Naing, Commander, Central Naval Command, Myanmar Navy, and RAdm Khun Aung Kyaw, Commander, Naval Training Command," the Indian Navy spokesperson stated on X.

"Issues related to strengthening navy-to-navy cooperation, bolstering existing defence partnership, augmenting operational engagements, maritime security, and promoting shared goals for a stable and secure maritime environment were discussed. Aspects related to enhancing training cooperation and future avenues of collaboration were deliberated, emphasising the commitment to enhancing interoperability, and training exchange programmes," the spokesperson added.

Admiral Tripathi also visited the Naval Training Command in Myanmar, where he handed over various projects executed with Indian assistance.

"At the Naval Training Command, CNS was briefed on Myanmar Navy's training infrastructure and ongoing initiatives between the two navies including the effectiveness of Mobile Training Team MTTs reaffirming India's commitment to capacity building and professional exchanges. CNS formally handed over various projects executed with Gol assistance, including the Containerised Small Arms Simulator and the Rigid Inflatable Boat, for augmentation of maritime security in the Bay of Bengal region, in keeping with the vision of MAHASAGAR," the spokesperson posted on X.

According to the Indian Navy, the visit by the Chief of the Naval Staff reaffirms the longstanding India-Myanmar bonds of friendship, anchored on mutual respect, trust and a shared commitment for Maritime Security and Stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Siddharth J
These high-level visits are important but I hope we are also addressing the issue of illegal immigration and drug trafficking from Myanmar. Our border states have been suffering from these problems for years. Good to see military cooperation but the real test is on ground results.
J
James A
India's approach of "MAHASAGAR" (Maritime Heritage and Shared Aspirations for Growth and Stability in the Region) is a welcome counter to China's growing influence in Myanmar. The Indian Navy has been doing some excellent soft power diplomacy through capacity building. Let's hope the Myanmar junta values this partnership over Chinese investments.
V
Vikram M
Strategic engagement with Myanmar is necessary given the geopolitical realities. But we must be careful - the military regime in Myanmar is not democratically elected. Our partnership should be balanced with concerns for human rights and the Rohingya crisis. The navy-to-navy cooperation is fine, but let's not compromise on our values. 🤔
S
Shreya B
Finally some proactive diplomacy in our neighbourhood! The Chinese have been building ports and pipelines in Myanmar for years while we were sleeping. These training exchanges and equipment transfers are small steps but show India is serious about the Indian Ocean Region. Let's hope this extends to more joint exercises and intelligence sharing on maritime security.
K
Kavya N
Important visit but I wish the article focused more on what this means for ordinary Indians living in border areas. The insurgency in Manipur and Nagaland often has links across the Myanmar border. If this naval cooperation leads to better border management and reduced cross-border crime, then it's truly meaningful. Otherwise it's just another photo op. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50