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MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Visits Shwedagon Pagoda, Stresses India-Myanmar Ties

Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Myanmar's iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural foundation of bilateral ties. During his four-day visit, he called on representatives of Myanmar's new government, including Vice Presidents and the Foreign Minister. Singh also met President U Min Aung Hlaing to deliver a letter of felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit underscored India's commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation under its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.

Key Points: India's MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh Visits Myanmar, Highlights Spiritual Bond

  • Visit to iconic Shwedagon Pagoda
  • Meetings with new Myanmar government
  • Delivery of PM Modi's felicitations
  • Emphasis on age-old spiritual & cultural ties
  • Commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation
2 min read

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh's visit to Shwedagon Pagoda highlights spiritual connection between India and Myanmar

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visits Shwedagon Pagoda, meets Myanmar's new leadership, and reaffirms India's commitment to bilateral cooperation.

"The deep spiritual connect between our two countries is age-old and abiding - Kirti Vardhan Singh"

Yangon, April 12

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, paid a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda and highlighted the age-old spiritual connect between India and Myanmar.

In a post on X, he said, "Visited the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. The deep spiritual connect between our two countries is age-old and abiding, and the foundation of our flourishing people-to-people ties today."

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, is a 2,500-2,600-year-old, 99-meter-tall golden stupa, revered as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site holding relics of Gautama Buddha, including eight strands of his hair. Known for its immense gold plating and gem-encrusted stupa, it represents classic Mon and Myanmar architecture on Singuttara Hill, heavily linked to Indian cultural influence and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the pagoda in 2017. India has supported the restoration of historical sites in Myanmar, including the nearby Ananda Temple, emphasising strong cultural and Buddhist connections.

Earlier, he also offered prayers at the Maravijaya Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw.

On Friday, Singh called on representatives of new government in Naypyidaw. In a post on X, he said, "Called on representatives of new Government in Nay Pyi Taw today, including Vice Presidents H.E U Nyo Saw and H.E Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye and Foreign Minister H.E. U Tin Maung Swe. India and Myanmar are close partners with age-old ties, as well as land and maritime neighbours. India remains committed to further strengthening its multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Myanmar."

Singh also called on U Min Aung Hlaing and handed over a letter of felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him on his assumption of office as the President of Myanmar.

In a post on X, he said, "Called on H.E. U Min Aung Hlaing, and handed over a letter of felicitations from Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him on his assumption of office as the President of Myanmar today. Myanmar and India are close partners with age-old ties, as well as land and maritime neighbours. India remains committed to further strengthening its multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Myanmar under its 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East' and 'MAHASAGAR' policies, and to extending developmental assistance for the benefit of the people of Myanmar."

MoS Singh was on a four-day visit to Myanmar from April 8 to April 11 to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President in Naypyidaw.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good diplomatic move. Strengthening ties with our eastern neighbour is crucial for regional stability and our Act East policy. The cultural and people-to-people links are our biggest strength. Hope this translates into more cooperation on trade and security as well.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the cultural outreach, I hope our engagement is also mindful of the ground realities in Myanmar. Our foreign policy must balance historical ties with a clear-eyed view of the current situation. The people-to-people connection is genuine, but diplomacy needs more nuance.
S
Sarah B
The history is fascinating! A 2500-year-old pagoda with relics of Buddha's hair... it's incredible. India's support for restoring sites like the Ananda Temple shows a deep respect for shared history. More people should know about these connections.
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Vikram M
Bodh Gaya in India and Shwedagon in Myanmar... both are pillars of Buddhism in Asia. This is soft power done right. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Karthik V
Good to see continued engagement. As a land and maritime neighbour, Myanmar's stability directly affects our Northeast states. Cultural diplomacy is a good starting point, but the economic and strategic aspects are equally important for the long term.

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

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