Myanmar vital to India's Neighbourhood First, Act East and Indo-Pacific policies: PM Modi
New Delhi, June 1
Myanmar is vital to India's policies of 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East', and Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday after meeting Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi.
"Had a productive meeting with President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. We in India are honoured that he has chosen India for his first foreign visit as President. Equally gladdening is the fact that he began the visit from Bodh Gaya with the blessings of Lord Buddha. We reviewed the full range of India-Myanmar relations. Myanmar is vital to India's policies of 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East' and Indo-Pacific," PM Modi wrote on X after the meeting.
"Our talks covered ways to deepen cooperation in trade, rare earths, healthcare, connectivity, heritage restoration and capacity building. We also agreed to work closely in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity and more," he added.
During the meeting, President U Min Aung Hlaing reiterated his country's assurance that its territory would not be permitted to be used against India's security interests, the joint statement released following the meeting detailed.
PM Modi reiterated India's support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar. He expressed support for Myanmar-led efforts towards achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation and socio-economic development.
He also offered continued assistance and cooperation, based on mutual respect and friendly relations between India and Myanmar. President Hlaing expressed appreciation for India's constructive support and cooperation.
President Droupadi Murmu also held a meeting with her counterpart from Myanmar at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, expressing India's steadfast support for Myanmar's pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
Highlighting the shared Buddhist heritage and the centuries-old people-to-people bonds during the meeting, President Murmu stated that Myanmar is India's gateway to Southeast Asia.
"President Droupadi Murmu received President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said that the shared Buddhist heritage and centuries-old people-to-people bonds lend a unique warmth to India-Myanmar relations," the President's Secretariat posted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Act East policy is crucial for India's strategic interests. Myanmar is indeed the gateway to Southeast Asia. Happy to see both countries focusing on connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. 🚂
While diplomatic niceties are fine, I'm concerned about Myanmar's internal conflict. The military junta's human rights record is troubling. India should be careful not to get drawn into their civil war while maintaining strategic interests.
The rare earths cooperation is interesting - India should leverage this to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals. Also glad to see focus on heritage restoration, our shared Buddhist sites need preservation. 🙏
Appreciate the diplomatic outreach but what about the Rohingya crisis? India cannot ignore humanitarian issues while pursuing economic interests. We need a balanced approach that respects all communities in Myanmar.
Excellent that the Myanmar President chose India for his first foreign visit. Shows our growing influence in the region. The assurance about not allowing territory against India's security interests is particularly important given China's activities in Myanmar.
Finally some positive news on diplomacy! The connectivity projects will benefit northeastern states immensely. Hope the trilateral highway project gets completed
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.