New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while calling for stronger security cooperation, enhanced connectivity, and deeper economic engagement between the two neighbours during talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions in New Delhi during the Myanmar president’s first official visit to India from May 30 to June 3.
During the talks, Modi said Myanmar lies at the confluence of India’s Neighbourhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies. He stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, security, border management, development partnership, and cultural exchanges.
The PM highlighted the importance of improving regional connectivity. Both sides agreed on the need to work closely towards completing the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, according to an official statement.
Modi also announced that Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students would be increased from 36 to 100 from 2026 onwards.
On trade, both countries agreed to facilitate greater bilateral commerce through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism. They noted steady growth in transactions since the mechanism became operational in May 2024. The two sides also supported stronger trade and investment cooperation in agro-processing, petroleum, energy, and mining sectors.
Security cooperation figured prominently in the discussions. Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides underlined the need to prevent the misuse of their territories for activities harmful to each other’s security interests.
President Aung Hlaing reiterated Myanmar’s assurance that its territory would not be allowed to be used against India’s security interests. Modi, in turn, said India remained committed to deepening security cooperation as a trusted partner of Myanmar.
The PM also conveyed support for Myanmar-led efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability, national reconciliation, and socio-economic development. The Myanmar president appreciated India’s continued support and cooperation.
Earlier on Sunday, Aung Hlaing delivered the keynote address at the India-Myanmar Business Conclave in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Business leaders from both countries discussed opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties.
The Myanmar president also visited the Mahabodhi Temple, Mahabodhi Meditation Centre, and Sujata Temple in Bodh Gaya, highlighting the deep Buddhist and people-to-people links between the two countries.
During the visit, he toured the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance complex in Greater Noida to observe research and development work in clean energy, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and grid resilience.
